Helping Socially Isolated Seniors In Your Community – During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
By: Brittany Molner, BSc, former Graduate Research Assistant, Centre for Healthy Communities
July 31, 2020
Canadians are living longer and for the first time in history, the over 65 population is larger than the population that is under 14 years of age. With this shift, it is even more essential that we pay attention to issues affecting this older age group.
Social isolation is one of the key concerns impacting the physical, mental, and social health and well-being of up to 30% of the over 65 population. It is anticipated that these numbers are now higher, given the impacts of COVID-19 and the necessary public health measures put in place to slow the spread.
One way to help seniors who might be experiencing social isolation is to create community-wide programs to promote social inclusion. Community organizations who work with seniors are well positioned to help mitigate social isolation among seniors. If you’re interested in developing a social inclusion program, it is important to:
- Know your target group. What are the characteristics of the people you are working with? Do the seniors share a cultural background, interest, or location of residence? Do they live in a rural or urban community? Consider these and other characteristics when creating a program to reduce social isolation among seniors. Ask seniors what it important to them.
- Identify barriers. What barriers are preventing seniors from participating in their community? How might you engage with them to come up with solutions together that meet their needs? Do their needs change at different times of year (e.g., winter season or holidays)? Finding ways to connect seniors with services and resources is important to help them take part in your program.
- Tailor the program to your community. Programs that foster social inclusion are diverse. There is no one-size-fits-all, so your program should be shaped by the needs of your community. Programs can be one-on-one or group-based. While the pandemic public health restrictions are place, either could be supported through virtual technology, such as Zoom, to protect everyone’s health. Ask what kind of program would be appropriate in your community. Some possibilities include:
- Shared activities. Virtual group fitness classes, walking groups, singing groups, or a community gardening program are some examples. A buddy system could be helpful where seniors could ‘meet’ with their buddy over the phone or through a virtual meeting room.
- Creative arts activities. This program could involve live streamed music, craft, or art sessions led by a local artist through a virtual meeting.
- Continuing education and skill-building. Consider offering online learning modules or webinars targeted to seniors’ interests.
- Volunteering. Seniors can share skills, hobbies, or new things they’ve learned through specific training with their community through volunteer activities.
* Tip: For seniors experiencing disability or who do not have access to technology, activities may need to be adapted to suit the senior’s needs. For example, adaptations could involve one-on-one virtual activities or may involve a caregiver (either family or professional) to facilitate in-home activities.
- Communicate and recruit seniors to your program. Mass one-way communication methods may not be the most effective way to reach seniors. Instead try using a story or personal invitations that are sent through friends, family, or community service providers.
- Assess and revise. Don’t forget to evaluate your program to see how it’s working and for whom. This is a great opportunity to find out how to improve your program, especially if you involve seniors in planning and conducting the evaluation.