Stay connected during the holdays 1

 Retirement is a time of new beginnings it also forces us to shift our daily routines and social connections, which are essential for mental and emotional well-being. The holidays are stressful, so keeping connections strong is important but it is particularly important around the holiday season. Nurturing connections can make a big difference in your sense of fulfillment and happiness during the stress of the holiday season.

The shift to retirement can affect us in various ways, especially when it comes to social life. For many of us, work provided daily interaction with people we called friends, when we retire those connections may fade. When we lose these connections there is a gap. Regular social interactions help protect us from depression, reduce our stress, and keep our mind sharp. A strong social network where we can engage with others, share stories, and create memories contributes to a richer, healthier life, bringing comfort, joy, and stability to you.

The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to rekindle connections and build new ones. If possible, you could host a small get-together with family or friends to celebrate, whether it’s a dinner, a movie night, or a simple afternoon tea. If gathering in person isn’t feasible, plan a video call with your loved ones. You could even arrange virtual activities, like decorating cookies together or opening gifts on screen. This was a popular option during the lockdown caused by COVID, perhaps it still has a place when families cannot be together. My daughter and her family live in Australia, so we get to celebrate a Zoom Xmas with them on the 25^th their time, but it is the 24^th our time. So, the benefit is we get two days of Christmas.

My senior center has a Christmas lunch, as well as choir singing and many other festive activities before Christmas. We are not alone  as there are many community centers and churches that host seasonal gatherings, performances, and dinners. If you join in these events you will be welcome and it is a great way to meet new people and feel connected to your community.

In my local community Facebook group, someone new to the community asked about how to volunteer over the holidays. Participating in holiday charity events is meaningful way to connect with others and make a positive impact. Volunteering can add a new purpose to the holiday season and introduce you to others with similar interests.

Social aspects of moving into a group retirement home

When considering whether to move into a group retirement house or stay in their own home, we should weigh the following factors:

Moving to a Group Retirement House

• Group retirement houses offer daily social activities that can combat isolation and loneliness.
• We can enjoy a vibrant social life with opportunities to make friends and engage in various activities.
• A group retirement house can provide a better environment if the current home or neighbourhood is no longer suitable, such as when the house feels too big, life becomes hectic or loud, or there are security concerns.

Staying in Their Own Home (Aging in Place)

• We can maintain a greater degree of autonomy and control over our own daily lives, including routines, home modifications, and care arrangements.
• Remaining at home can be more cost-effective, especially for those who have paid off their mortgages or have affordable housing arrangements.
• We may prefer to receive care at home, especially if we have a support system of family and friends who can help with care needs.
• Many seniors have strong emotional ties to their homes and communities, making it difficult to leave familiar surroundings and support systems.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, lifestyle needs, social desires, home suitability, and support system availability. It's important for us to carefully consider these factors before making a decision.

Get to know your community again

 Yesterday I talked about connecting with your community. For many of us transitioning into retirement can be a significant life change, and one of the crucial aspects for new retirees is reconnecting with their community. Experts stress the societal impact of this issue and highlight the importance of community engagement and personal outreach in facilitating a smooth adjustment to this new phase of life.

Recognizing the challenges new retirees face in reestablishing connections, the best approach is to make encouraging and simple yet meaningful acts. Striking up conversations with neighbours, whether it's a casual chat over the fence or a friendly greeting during a morning walk, can become a pivotal step in breaking the ice. These small steps contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and community, addressing the potential isolation that some retirees may experience.

In addition to casual conversations, personal outreach plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals do not feel alone or disconnected. Initiatives such as neighbourhood welcome committees, where established residents introduce themselves and offer to help, can go a long way in making newcomers feel integrated. These outreach efforts extend beyond a simple welcome, involving invitations to community events, clubs, or activities that align with the interests of the retirees.

The National Institute of Ageing report underscores the need for collective efforts in building connections. Community organizations, local government, and residents all have roles to play in creating an inclusive environment for new retirees. Establishing programs that facilitate social interactions, such as community potlucks, book clubs, or volunteer opportunities, can serve as platforms for retirees to engage with others and contribute to the community.

Furthermore, the importance of mental and emotional well-being for older individuals in Canada is stressed. Social connections have been linked to improved mental health, reduced feelings of loneliness, and overall well-being. By actively encouraging community engagement, society can contribute to the health and independence of retirees, ensuring they have a strong support system during this phase of life.

In conclusion, recognizing the challenges that new retirees face in getting to know their community again, experts advocate for collective efforts emphasizing community engagement and personal outreach. By fostering connections through simple acts and organized initiatives, neighbours can play an important  role in ensuring the health, happiness, and independence of older individuals in Canada.

Loneliness and social isolation revisited

 Amidst Canada's evolving demographic landscape marked by an increasing aging population, the National Institute of Ageing (NIA) has highlighted the challenges posed by loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older individuals. According to a recent report, approximately 41% of Canadians aged 50 and above are at risk of social isolation, with 58% experiencing loneliness. The report emphasizes the significant impact of these issues on both mental and physical health, likening the health risks to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.

Despite these concerns, the report also sheds light on positive factors contributing to well-being among older Canadians. The presence of family ties, especially life partners and children, has been identified as a crucial element in protecting against social isolation and loneliness. Additionally, higher levels of education, income security, and better health status are associated with lower levels of loneliness.

While the challenges of social isolation and loneliness are prevalent, the report suggests practical solutions, advocating for a national strategy to address the issue. Drawing inspiration from initiatives in the United Kingdom and Japan, the recommendation includes the creation of social prescribing programs, where doctors can prescribe activities aligned with patients' interests, fostering new connections and promoting overall well-being.

In recognizing the societal impact of this issue, experts emphasize the importance of community engagement and personal outreach. Encouraging simple acts like striking up conversations with neighbours or reaching out to those who may be isolated, the report underscores the need for collective efforts to build connections and ensure the health and independence of older individuals in Canada.

Adverse effect on your health, loniliness and isolation

 Lack of social ties and interaction with others, whether in person or by communication technology, is referred to as “social isolation.” It may be forced or voluntary, physical or psychological.

Being cut off from others and feeling dissatisfied with one’s connections are two subjective feelings that are referred to as “loneliness.” Even when there are other people around, it can still happen because of social isolation or other problems, including a lack of fulfilling relationships or meaningful connections.

Living alone, having little social support, or having limited mobility are just a few of the risk factors that can lead to social isolation and loneliness. These conditions frequently go hand in hand. Age and certain physical or mental health issues might also affect an individual’s risk of social isolation and loneliness.

Both loneliness and social isolation can have an adverse effect on a person’s physical and mental health, increasing their risk for chronic illnesses, depressive and anxiety disorders, cognitive decline, and a lower quality of life. In order to enhance health and well-being, it is crucial to address both social isolation and loneliness.

We need a multifaceted strategy to address social isolation and loneliness. Here are some initiatives societies can do to lessen these problems:

• By developing community activities, volunteer opportunities, or even just by encouraging people to spend time with friends and family, one can encourage social bonds and community building.
• Promote the use of communication technologies to connect individuals with one another, particularly for those who are physically isolated.
• Developing or promoting programs for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and people who have recently gone through a significant life transition, like relocating to a new place. These are just a few examples of the support programmes and services that are aimed at people who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness.
• By promoting public awareness and education regarding the detrimental effects of loneliness and social isolation. 
• By fostering a society that is more inclusive and accepting, we can encourage people to ask for help and support.

Policies that support diversity and inclusion, as well as situations where everyone feels respected and accepted, can help foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.  It’s critical to keep in mind that combating social isolation and loneliness requires a team effort, and everyone has a part to play.

 

A research review of seniors, isolation, and best practices in service provision

There is no doubt that while the need for and benefits of social connections and inclusion is clear for seniors, there are considerations in providing services to this group. A literature review that was part of a study on seniors and the impacts of leisure activity12 highlighted the following challenges:

·        Connecting to services

·        Perception of barriers to participation e.g., clothing, funding

·        Factors that contribute to social isolation such as loss, poor physical health, low morale,

·        being a caregiver, geographic isolation, and transportation difficulties are often beyond the

·        socially isolated person's control and therefore not obviously susceptible to improvement. Thus

·        designing effective interventions to address the problem may be difficult.

There have been numerous interventions implemented worldwide, but few systematic reviews have been done to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in addressing social isolation in seniors. In fact, research evidence to support the belief that intervention can counteract social isolation and its adverse effects on older people is almost non-existent. While research confirming the effectiveness of interventions is not easily available – what is clear are the positive benefits of social inclusion. Evidence consistently supports the idea that out of home activity levels affect health status, well-being and survival in old age. “Disengagement from out of home activities is associated with declines in cognitive functioning among elderly persons"

The core principles of the Canadian National Framework on Aging, developed through an extensive consultation with seniors and other stakeholders, provide a solid foundation on which to build programs:

·        Dignity: being treated with respect, regardless of the situation and having a sense of self esteem

·        Independence: being in control of one's life, being able to do as much as possible and making one's own choice

·        Participation: getting involved, staying active and taking part n the community, being consulted and having one's views considered by Government

·        Fairness: having seniors real needs in all their diversity, considered equally those of other Canadians

·        Security: having adequate income as one ages and having access to a sage and supportive living environment

A study done in 1998 identified the following characteristics of effective interventions:

·        Participation in group activities

·        Targeting common groups e.g., women, the widowed, retired firefighters,

·        Using more than one method of intervention and those that are effective across a broad range of

·        outcomes

·        Allowing participants some level of control

·        Ensuring the evaluation fits the intervention and includes a process evaluation

The effectiveness of various interventions with isolated seniors. These included one-on-one intervention, telephone support, gatekeeper programs, group interventions of teleconferencing, support provision, Internet groups, and support groups. While there was not enough commonality in the types of interventions to consider the results conclusive, the authors felt the results could provide guidelines for Future Development. They confirmed that it is very important to:

·        Have high-quality approaches to the selection, training and support of the facilitator or

·        coordinators of the intervention

·        Involve older people in the planning implementation and evaluation stages

·        Use existing community resources and build capacity

·        Evaluate and disseminate the research

It is difficult to quantify the exact number of isolated seniors in a community however in a survey of the empirical literature published between 1948 and 1991it was found that between 2 and 20 percent of people over the age of 65 were socially isolated.

In Halton, the ESAC Quality of Life Report for Seniors in Halton used national data to identify those levels of social support decline with age, and up to 8% of seniors have no close relatives and 14% no close friends putting them at risk of becoming isolated.

Seniors and Social Isolation: A Complex Issue 2

 Working with family members to help aging parents to become engaged in the

Community seniors centre is a slow process. While the adult children want

this experience for mom/ dad, sometimes the parents are reluctant.

Factors that put seniors at risk of social isolation are listed below. The more risk factors, the greater the likelihood of social isolation:

·        Disabilities

·        Chronic illness/poor health

·        Experiencing a loss (of a spouse, home, job)

·        Experiencing abuse, sexism, racism, homophobia, financial issues

·        Language issues

·        Living alone

·        Reduced social networks

·        Transportation issues

·        Poverty or low income

·        Low self esteem

·        Being female

·        Being a single man

·        New to country

·        Lack of housing

Profile 2 – Characteristics of seniors most vulnerable to isolation are:

·        Men and women who have limited assistance with routine activities such as meal preparation, shopping, and transportation, with low emotional support

·        Women who have had low support with routine activities, reduced physical leisure activities and/or live alone

·        Men who are vulnerable to social isolation and have low emotional support

·        Older seniors (age 80 and older) compared to younger seniors (age 65-69) are more

·        vulnerable to social isolation if they have low support with routine activities, and reduced engagement in physical leisure activities and/or live alone 

·        Those who have experienced the death of a spouse, close relative or friends

Profile 3 - Seniors most likely to experience the most social exclusion:

·        Are older

·        Live in urban areas

·        Have no partner

·        Have activity limitations due to health

·        Are born outside of Canada

·        Have lower levels of education

Seniors and Social Isolation: A Complex Issue 1

 Social isolation can be defined as less social contact than an individual wish and that may lead to negative outcomes such as poor health loneliness or other emotional distress.

As the proportion of older people in the population increases and more life alone, the problem of social isolation among this age group is a growing concern (World Health Organization 2002). It is widely accepted that social support has a strong protective effect on health. The prevailing belief, as stated by the World Health Organization, is that social isolation and exclusion are associated with “increased rates of premature death, lower general well-being, more depression, and a higher level of disability from chronic diseases”. This is echoed by studies that show social isolation has predictors such as poor perceived health, a higher number of chronic illnesses and compromised mental health.

Seniors clearly value their social relationships as those 65 and over “consistently rank relationships with family and friends second only to health as the most important area of life”. Not all socially isolated seniors experience negative consequences, and some seniors may prefer to be alone and do not experience loneliness. This statement, found in the literature review “Social Isolation Among Seniors: An Emerging Issue, An Investigation by the Children’s, Women’s and Seniors Health Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Health, March 2004”, points out that social isolation is not a straightforward issue and those providing services cannot make easy assumptions about causes or relationships. The investigative review provides an in-depth look at seniors and isolation and is helpful for those who want a greater understanding of the prevalence of social isolation in older persons, its risk factors and the relationship between isolation and loneliness in seniors.

A research review of seniors, isolation, and best practises in service provision designed to address social isolation, supporting seniors' strengths, enhancing social networks, removing barriers to social participation and fostering social inclusion will have positive impacts for both the individual and society.

The researchers studied Canadian data to profile individual and social characteristics and situations that make seniors vulnerable to isolation. Their profile of seniors most likely to experience social exclusion indicated that they:

·        Are older

·        Live in urban areas

·        Have no partner

·        Have activity limitations due to health

·        Were born outside of Canada

·        Have lower levels of education

The investigation by the Children's, Women's and Senior's Health Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Health: Social Isolation Among Seniors: An Emerging Issue, supports the above and provides some further considerations about factors relating to social isolation and loneliness including:

·        Gender: women's tendency to outlive male partners and other family members and their role as caretakers place them at greater risk, however when studies controlled for the additive risk factors that disproportionately affect women, several studies found the opposite: that greater loneliness was expressed by men

·        Loss of a spouse or “intimate relationship” is a strong determinant of both loneliness and

·        Aging: several researchers have found loneliness to be a correlate of aging itself and that there was a gradual increase in loneliness until age 90 and then it levelled off

·        Transportation Issues: driving status and transportation have an effect on loneliness and social isolation of the elderly because they facilitate access to the social network.

These factors, while they help shine a light on seniors who are vulnerable to isolation, should not be considered as definitive causes. The authors cite a “chicken and egg” effect between isolation and the risk factors and emphasize that risk factor is just that – factors that may put someone at risk of loneliness or isolation.

Housing Solutions for Social Isolation.

The idea for this workshop came from "Tech-enhanced life" and I have talked of this before in earlier posts, but I think it is still relevant as we move into a year of perfect vision.

Some exceptional opportunities in housing can help fight isolation and loneliness among seniors.  Particularly as grow older, housing options affect our physical and our mental wellbeing.

Some of the options being explored in some jurisdictions may have hope for those who are on their own. Some of these are:

All-age residential hotels.  The idea of ‘all-age’ living facilities, compared to more age-segregated communities is a good idea for seniors.  More specifically, there is an atmosphere of more powerful energy, as well as the increased opportunities to connect with different ages and learn new things than in a segregated community.    

Accessory unit rentals.  As our family situations change, because of age, our current house could become too big us.  Accessory units (or ‘granny units’) on the property can be rented out, or maybe separate living quarters can be made of current house space.  Housing rental could also be exchanged for home maintenance, help, and companionship.  Graduate students would be good candidates for this option. This would require cities to approve zoning changes and there might have to be some screening set up to protect seniors, but it might work and keep people in their homes longer.

Co-housing.  is where residents (old and young) share living facilities.  The benefits for older adults are shared help, companionship and contact with younger generations.  However, such facilities are few in a number of areas, and efforts need to be made to ensure residents are harmonious with each other.

Initiatives to reduce isolation 2

Governments funding of programs for seniors are not enough, which means many of the programs are underutilized because of a lack of awareness. These services move frequently and change service providers  who have to promote their services and when they do they change the name so seniors who are familiar with one program may be unfamiliar with other local services that provide the same help

We realize that part of developing an awareness of programs and services for seniors will require us identifying which populations are underutilizing needed services and targeting those seniors (and their networks) specifically when promoting and marketing programs.

Supporting informal caregivers

The preference by receivers of care for caregivers appears to be informal support (family, friends) over formal agency services. This works because of the many informal sources of care directly replace formal sources and possibly delay or avoid entry of seniors into long term care.

Increasing the capacity of small service organizations

Because of government policy and perhaps inaction, many programs for seniors are delivered by small non-profit service agencies indirectly funded through different levels of government. It is important that our government support the capacity of these agencies to deliver their community-specific programming.

Suggestions for increasing opportunities for social interaction included offering local and low-cost leisure and educational activities for seniors and congregate meals. Whatever the program intervention may be, it is important that government support the efforts of small and medium-size local organizations in serving local populations as often these organizations have a unique familiarity with the population and its needs.

Developing volunteer-based outreach programs

Peer counsellor or volunteer visitor outreach programs appear to have had a fair amount of success in improving the health outcomes of seniors through the reduction of isolation. The government should support these types of partnerships with the volunteer sector.

Programs that initiate and facilitate contact between seniors and health professionals (or other individuals who act as resource people) can serve to encourage the timely and appropriate usage of health services. Outreach programming can take a variety of formats. For example, the intervention could be a group activity, such as a drop-in blood pressure clinic or information session; an individual face-to-face effort such as a coffee cart or friendly visitor/helper; or a telephone or email check-in by a health professional. These types of outreach efforts to socially isolated seniors could be done within the context of small service agencies, as mentioned above, or could involve larger provincial or national efforts by government or other

Initiatives to reduce isolation 1

Ø  Supporting transportation initiatives

It is important that all levels of government support and develop transportation accessibility initiatives targeted to seniors. If we increase the availability of transportation alternatives to seniors, particularly rural seniors, we can reduce isolation and loneliness. Many rural seniors have farther to travel for based health and social services, and whose transportation difficulties may be exacerbated by adverse weather and road conditions. Lower-income seniors, who have recently given up driving and are unaware of alternatives, may also need help with transportation

 Ø  Exploring remote communications as tools to reduce isolation

It is important to explore the options for service delivery presented by new technology. Contact through telephone and email is a way for seniors to get social support. Internet use is on the rise by seniors, and that almost every household in Canada has a telephone, these modes of communication are tools for maintaining beneficial connections between isolated seniors and their social networks or service providers.

 Ø  Increasing community awareness of services for seniors

If services are not promoted properly, they may not be used as intended. It is important to improve information about available supports for seniors to the community at large.

We have found in our research that many of our seniors who are willing to use a service often find out about it very late, because of lack of awareness of what is available in the community. There is also research findings showing that a low volume of social service utilization by elderly people, especially low-income minorities, was found to be due more to lack of knowledge, perceived availability (or unavailability) of social services, and restricted access, then to the abundance of informal support.

Intervention programs aimed at reducing social isolation

I have been serving on a committee that is focused on reducing isolation and loneliness in my town. The work is slow and difficult but very rewarding. There are many groups addressing this issue in the larger community and they all believe they are doing a good job. One of the issues that I found interesting was the idea that our group would steal funding from them. Dealing with seniors is a very competitive business as the government talks about how much it wants to solve the problem but it does not put any money into solutions. Or if it does the government makes the charity groups fight each other for the few dollars they give out, which is in my mind, counterproductive. 

What I did find out is that the most common type of program aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness found in my community was a type of peer (volunteer) helping/ visiting outreach model. Several examples of these types of programs are ones that involve peer support groups and programs that recruit seniors to volunteer with other populations such as children. 

While our group is moving forward albeit slowly we realize that when we are planning interventions for socially isolated and lonely seniors a good understanding of the target group, or of an individual’s need for acceptance and social support is necessary before employing we suggest interventions.  I believe that feeling supported is, in fact, an outcome the caring interpersonal transactions among individuals who trust each other and that is seen in the successful interventions we have looked at since we started back in July.

Isolation and loneliness during the Xmas season

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat... goes an old English rhyme. Well it is coming and this time of the year for many is joyous and a time of celebration with family, for many it is a time of heartbreak and loneliness and social isolation.

The concept of social isolation is complex and overlaps with other associated ideas such as loneliness, social vulnerability, social inclusion and exclusion, social connectedness, and social capital. 

Social isolation is commonly defined as a low quantity and quality of contact with others and includes the number of contacts, feeling of belonging, fulfilling relationships, engagement with others, and quality of network members.d

Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, which was a large-scale study with a range of social isolation indicators, provide an overall sense of the magnitude of the problem. The study found that:

• 16% of seniors felt isolated from others often or some of the time.
• 6% of seniors reported spending little or no time with someone with whom they could complete enjoyable activities.
• 5% indicated having someone to listen to them none or little of the time.
• More than 8% reported having someone to receive advice about a crisis none or little of the time.
• 3.9% of seniors reported having someone who shows love and affection to them none or little of the time.
• 6% reported having someone to do something enjoyable with none or little of the time.
• 6% reported never or not often participating in activities with family and friends.
• 17.3% reported feeling excluded often or some of the time.

These findings suggest that a significant portion of seniors experience social isolation in a variety of different ways. Preliminary results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) support these findings

The research has identified 9 risk factors are embedded within several overarching social contexts, including ageism, discrimination, limited access to resources and services, and marginalization. These risks factors are:

1.  Age and gender: being 80 or older; being a woman (since women, on average, live longer).

2. Ethnicity: being an immigrant (specifically, having a different cultural and linguistic background from the general Canadian population or community in which you live); being from an official language minority community.

3. Geography: living in a rural or remote area where service provision and distance between individuals and families is less proximate; living in a deprived neighbourhood; living in a community where there has been a loss of community or neighbourhood values; living in a low-density neighbourhood.

4. Health and disability: having health issues (mental and/or physical) including having multiple chronic health problems (e.g., vision, hearing, incontinence, speech/cognitive impairment); lifelong health problems or late-onset or age-related condition such as incontinence; mental illness (e.g., dementia, depression); stigma associated with mental illness, poor health or a disability; low access to health care; minimal walking time; poor perception of one’s own health.

5. Knowledge and awareness: challenges relating to technology (costs, literacy, comfort); lack of information on services; lack of awareness or access to community services and programs

6. Life transitions: loss of a spouse; loss of sense of community; disruption of social networks; lack of family and friend supports; loss or restriction of drivers’ license; entry into care; caregiving and associated factors (intensity of care-giving, low levels of care satisfaction, inability to leave the care recipient alone); divorce; living in a nursing home.

7. Poverty and lack of access to resources: lack of affordable housing and care options; living with low income; lacking access to transportation (no license or public bus system); financial dependence; living in a deprived neighbourhood (also considered a geography factor – see above).

8. Sexual and gender identity: being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT); a history of discrimination; having a weak primary social network; lack of social recognition; discrimination in the health-care system; fear of coming out in older age.

9. Social relationships: low quality of relationships; having no children or contact with family; living alone (greater likelihood among women, gay men and lesbians); not being married or common-lawed; loss of friends and social network; experiencing ageism.

In general, there is sufficient evidence to identify several common characteristics of successful interventions – such as involving seniors in the planning, implementation and evaluation stages – as well as different types of interventions, from group activities to educational phone chats.

Training programs for frontline workers delivering programs is essential, as well as adequate resources. More generally, socially-isolated seniors could benefit from increased efforts to raise awareness of the underlying causes of isolation and to fight ageism. These are not easy issues to resolve, and addressing social isolation will require not only the coordinated and concerted action of multiple stakeholders but also increased understanding of the importance of this issue among the Canadian public. 

At this time of year, if you know of a person who is isolated or who may be lonely, reach out and share. This is the season of giving after all.

Dementia and Social Isolation and Loneliness.

Dementia can add a very complicated layer to the already complicated issue of isolation and loneliness in older adults. 

Oftentimes with dementia sufferers, the problem with communication and connection is the initiation of the interaction.  Good conversations can and do happen with dementia patients, but just relying on the patient to get the interaction started can be the stumbling block. 

Robots.  Build or program a robot to get a dementia sufferer’s attention.  For example, when a remote family member wants to talk to the person on the phone, the robot would be programmed to approach the dementia-ed person and then just start talking or initiating the phone conversation.  Thus, the interaction is initiated remotely for the family member via the robot and it is easy for the dementia sufferer to join in.

A lower-tech option: A big sign.  For the same goal of helping to remotely initiate the interaction, you could also use a large sign on the wall in the room.  So, when a phone call from a family member comes in for the dementia sufferer, a special noise will be created.  Correspondingly, a large sign on the wall of the room will say “If you hear a noise, then press the red button on your pad.”  This will help the dementia sufferer get started in the interaction, from a remote location.

Other interesting points regarding dementia were:

 Visitors may need advice and instruction.  Interacting with dementia sufferers can be difficult and challenging at times.  Not all well-intentioned visitors know how to interact with folks with dementia.  Thus, visitation can be boring and awkward.  Basic advice and instruction could be helpful and keep visitors interested incoming back again.

Pets and music can also be beneficial for making a connection with a dementia sufferer.  If regular personal or family visits are not very successful, pets or music may be an option that opens the door to connection and communication.

Housing Solutions for Social Isolation. 

Some interesting options in housing can help combat isolation and loneliness among older adults.  Especially as we get older, the type of housing we occupy can greatly affect not only our physical but also our mental wellbeing.

All-age residential hotels.  There are "all-age’ living facilities, compared to more age-segregated communities.  More specifically, they like the atmosphere and higher energy, as well as the increased opportunities to connect with different ages and learn new things.   

Accessory unit rentals.  As one becomes older, and as family situations change, a current house could become too big for one person.  Accessory units (or ‘granny units’) on the property can be rented out, or maybe separate living quarters can be made of current house space.  Housing rental could also be exchanged for home maintenance, help, and companionship.  Graduate students would be good candidates for this option.

Co-housing.  Somewhat of a newer option that seems well-received thus far is co-housing, where residents (old and young) share living facilities.  The benefits for older adults are shared help, companionship and contact with younger generations.  However, such facilities are few in a number of areas, and efforts need to be made to ensure residents are harmonious with each other.

Apartment-complex social programs.  Some apartment complexes also provide organized social programs, which can provide multigenerational contacts to avoid isolation.

Basic Definition of “Social Isolation and Loneliness”

‘Social isolation and loneliness’ are complex.  Loneliness is often experienced as more of an anxious or sad feeling.  However, you don’t necessarily have to be alone in order to experience it. Sometimes you can feel lonely even when surrounded by other people.

And, being ‘alone’ could be good or bad; it doesn’t necessarily mean you are lonely.  We all want to be alone at least once in a while; for example, when you feel tired and would like to take a nap.  Another example is that some people may prefer living alone versus living with others and are perfectly content with that choice.

Personal Motivation and Initiative. 

One factor sometimes affecting isolation and loneliness in older adults is simply a person’s motivations and initiative.  Some people are fun, good people, but are not very good at ‘breaking the ice’.

A number of individuals don’t seem to have that initiative or ability to initiate an interaction.  They are often fine and fun to be with when someone else takes the initiative to start an interaction.  But if someone else does not initiate the connection or interaction, the interaction never takes place.  Once they get over that initial first step, they are often fine.

Insights/Advice:

Each individual needs to take the initiative, but some don’t know how or are really incapable of doing that.  Oftentimes, this lack of motivation or initiative is a personality-related issue that can be hard to change.  It is part of why they are isolated. 

It can be a hard job to get some people motivated to participate.  Some are scared; possibly afraid of rejection. 

Some don't want to ‘compete’ socially; they feel inadequate or uncomfortable. 

Opportunities are out there for older adults; find your interests.  Take the initiative to get an association or connection, and be persistent; stick to it for a while.  Be open to opportunities; break out of your comfort zone.  Be more proactive in calling people/friends.

One caveat: Sociability, or the lack of, can be situational.  There are times, for example, when you just don't want to join other people for dinner.  A couple may want to eat alone or just dine with each other.  There are times, too, when you may be tired and just don’t want to interact with people.  ‘Situational sociability’ is quite different from social isolation and loneliness.

Technology and the Internet. 

There is a lot of potential for technology to help us battle isolation and loneliness among older adults.  Some examples include:

Robotics.  One example that was cited: Robots exist that can read the same books as you, and can actually discuss the book with you.  An interesting new option that is still primitive at this point, but is getting better fast.

Smart-Phone and Computer Apps.  Currently, there are apps that can alert you, for example, that someone is nearby that is interested in meeting to get coffee.  Or, other affinity-related apps for alerting you that I’m available and nearby for a walk, etc.

Alexa/Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Taking the above affinity apps one step further, Alexa or similar AI capabilities allow a person to ask it to find others that want (e.g.) coffee, or other affinities.  ‘Alexa’, by requiring just talking or speaking, can make these activities or benefits even easier to do.

Woven into these discussions, though, is the caveat that older adults wanted and needed better and simpler setups for using this technology.  Simplicity, good instruction, and ease of use were critical to them, otherwise, these barriers can deter many older adults from using these technologies.

Isolation and loneliness 2

Isolation and loneliness are very real fears for many older adults.   

There are a number of identified ways to help combat isolation and loneliness in either our own lives or the lives of others, as we grow older.  Here is a list (in no particular order):

Pets.  Having your own pet, or helping someone else with their pet, can be very helpful.  For example, walking a neighbour’s dog every day.  Pet responsibilities can help give people purpose and meaning.

Senior clubs.  Our explorers are aware of a number of great clubs, which often provide and arrange transportation as well.  Typically, the clubs offer a wide variety of arts, education, and physical exercise opportunities.

Affinity clubs or organizations.  Become a member of a formal or informal group that is united by a common theme or activity.  Find what you like to do, take the initiative to find like-minded people, and stick to it.  This will be a big help in mitigating social isolation and loneliness.

Cross-generational interactions.  Try to have interactions with different generations.  For example, living at an all-age residential hotel (vs. more age-segregated).  Some older adults like the atmosphere and the energy they experience, and they often learn new things in their multigenerational experiences.  

Good neighbours.  People nearby that you can trust and that can check in on you periodically.  These simple interactions can be very valuable and oftentimes turn into genuine friendships.

Housing options.  Various community living and care arrangements which can help provide or facilitate companionship.  For example, multigenerational living facilities, co-housing with matched renters, and accessory-unit rentals can increase social contacts and interactions.

‘Buddy’ system, or a check-in system.  Having some sort of daily-checking routine can be very helpful and reassuring and combat isolation and loneliness.  For example, sending a text to a family member every day before lunch; or, making sure your living room curtains are open every morning (to let neighbours know that you are up and about).

Regular visitors, or social service program visitors.  Simple visitation can be a big help in fighting isolation and loneliness.  Whether it be a friend, family member, neighbour, or an assigned social service volunteer; their visits and conversations are often much anticipated and appreciated by older adults.

The internet.  Easy access to the internet can make a big difference.  It does not replace the need for social interactions, but it can be a good substitute sometimes, as well as a great source for interests and online activities.  People may need to be taught how to use the internet, and it can be expensive for some.

Television.  Even television can help reduce the feeling of social isolation and loneliness.  It gives you a connection with the outside world.  Its advantage is that it is familiar and can be easy to operate.

Robots; AI (artificial intelligence); Alexa.  These options seem to be primitive at this point, but they also seem to be getting better very quickly.  They can provide a partial solution to social isolation, but cannot truly replace human face-to-face social interaction.  Some explorers see a lot of potential here.

Community education courses for older adults.  Community classes for older adults can be very good for social interaction.  Not only that, but they are typically a lot of fun and very educational.