Just Ask: How Do You Know if Someone Is at Risk of Social Isolation — and How Can We Help Seniors Facing It?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
Are you, or someone you know, feeling more isolated these days? Social isolation among seniors is more common than many realize — and it’s more than just a matter of loneliness. Studies show that about 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated, and up to 58% report experiencing feelings of loneliness at some point. Isolation can have serious health impacts, increasing the risk of stroke, dementia, depression, and even premature death. In fact, researchers have found that loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or obesity.
So, how do you know if you or someone close to you might be at risk? Signs include withdrawing from usual activities, a decline in mental or physical health, less frequent contact with family and friends, or expressing feelings of loneliness and sadness. Living alone, facing mobility challenges, or experiencing the loss of a partner or friends can also increase vulnerability.
The good news is that on the Sunshine Coast, we are fortunate to have a variety of programs and services designed to keep seniors connected, engaged, and supported. For example, the Telephone Tree program (offered through VCH; call 604-885-8517) provides friendly check-ins by phone for those who live alone. Adult Day Programs (604.741.0726) in Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour offer safe and social environments for people living with physical and/or cognitive impairment, while giving caregivers valuable respite.
For lifelong learners, ElderCollege (info@sunshinecoasteldercollege.ca) in Sechelt offers a wide variety of courses each semester, from history to technology, creating space for seniors to learn and socialize. There are also programs like Dial-A-Dog (778.549.8664; dialadog@protonmail.com), which provides a variety of services including social visits or walks with companion dogs and transportation that can make a big difference in lifting spirits and easing loneliness. In Gibsons, St. Bart’s Food Bank (659 North Road) offers a free social lunch for seniors and is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Free rides are available to these lunches for seniors in Gibsons; call 604.886.7411 ext. 103 at least two days in advance.
Transportation is often one of the biggest barriers to staying connected, but options such as handiDART (604.885.6897) and VCH volunteer driver services (call 604.885.8517) are available to help people attend appointments, programs, or social activities. And of course, activity centres, Sechelt Seniors Centre, Harmony Hall in Gibsons as well as Gibsons and Sechelt Libraries, and community organizations continue to provide a wide range of events and opportunities for seniors to connect, learn, and stay active.
Volunteering is another great way to stay connected and help the community. There are endless volunteer opportunities that fit a variety of needs and interests from Gibsons to Pender Harbour. If you want to learn more about volunteering on the Coast contact us at volunteersc@resourcecentre.ca or visit our online Volunteer Directory at resourcecentre.ca.
At the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, Tanis, our Seniors Community Connector, helps people aged 55+ navigate these supports. Whether you need help with food programs, transportation, recreation, social activities, or even filling out forms, she is here to make the process easier. She also hosts Coffee and Conversation every Monday (except holidays) at 9:30 a.m. in the Seniors Gathering Space at our office (5674 Cowrie Street, Sechelt) — enjoy a warm drink on us in a warm, welcoming place to meet new people and enjoy friendly conversation.
If you or someone you know is at risk of social isolation, reaching out is the first step. The Sunshine Coast is full of opportunities to connect, but sometimes it takes a helping hand to find the right fit. To learn more, call the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre at 604.885.4088 or email scc@resourcecentre.ca. Staying connected is one of the most important things we can do for our health and happiness — and the community supports are here. Just Ask – we’re here to help!