LONELY SENIORS, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

Canadian healthcare and social service professionals now have access to clinical tools and resources to better support older adults who may be at risk of, or already experiencing, social isolation and loneliness.

Developed by the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) and led by Baycrest geriatric psychiatrist Dr. David Conn and an interdisciplinary working group comprising experts from across Canada, the Canadian Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults provides 17 evidence-based recommendations healthcare and social service professionals should consider for their practice.

The guidelines provide recommendations on prevention, screening, assessment and interventions for social isolation and loneliness among seniors. Older adults can also benefit from a variety of new resources, like this brochure developed to support them to address the potential physical and mental impacts of social isolation and loneliness.

Social isolation and loneliness have emerged as key elements affecting the physical and mental well-being of older adults across Canada. Research has compared living with social isolation and loneliness to the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The implications of these issues extend beyond emotional well-being, impacting overall health outcomes, exacerbating chronic conditions and increasing the risk of mortality.

As older adults age, they face life transitions, such as retirement or loss of spouse or partner that may contribute to the risk of becoming socially isolated or lonely.

“There are many factors that can contribute to the association between loneliness and social isolation and mental and physical illnesses, particularly among older adults,” says Dr. Conn, Co-chair of the CCSMH. “The impacts of social isolation and loneliness can be mitigated with the right knowledge, training and resources. These guidelines are an important step forward in that direction.”

“We are excited to be part of a growing global effort to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults,” says Claire Checkland, Executive Director of CCSMH. “It’s encouraging that so many governments, organizations and clinicians are taking meaningful action.”

A few quick facts:

Social isolation and loneliness among older adults can vary by age:

• As many as 41 per cent of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation. Up to 58 per cent have experienced loneliness.

• Among Canadians aged 50-64 years, almost one in four (23 per cent) are very lonely. Another 41 per cent are somewhat lonely.

Worldwide, 25 per cent of older adults are socially isolated, according to the World Health Organization.

Some of the health risks of isolation and loneliness among adults over 50 include:

• 32 per cent increased risk of stroke.

• 25 per cent increased risk of cancer mortality.

• 50 per cent increased risk of developing dementia.

CCSMH’s mission is to promote the mental health of older adults by connecting people, ideas and resources.

The coalition is dedicated to advancing the mental well-being of older adults across all settings.

As the sole national organization focusing on mental health for older adults, the Coalition is committed to nurturing and growing a coalition of organizations and individuals that, together, will shine a light on the issues surrounding mental health and well-being of older adults.

More info at www.ccsmh.ca.