Can centers stay relevant to the next generation of retirees?

To stay relevant and appealing to ageing baby boomers and older adults from diverse communities, senior centers can employ the following top five strategies:

Firstly, senior centers can revamp their programming to cater to the interests and needs of ageing baby boomers, who are often active, tech-savvy, and eager to stay engaged. This can involve offering classes and workshops on topics such as technology, travel, fitness classes, arts and crafts and lifelong learning. Cultural events, cooking classes featuring different cuisines, and language exchange programs can attract diverse communities and provide a platform for cultural exchange and enrichment, as well as provide opportunities for socialization and community building through events and activities that appeal to this demographic.

Secondly, senior centers can prioritize cultural sensitivity and inclusivity by incorporating programs and services that cater to the diverse needs and interests of older adults from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This can involve partnering with local community organizations and cultural centers to offer language classes, cultural events, and traditional music and dance performances that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of diverse communities. It's essential for senior centers to cultivate an atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive to all. This can be achieved by training staff in cultural competency and sensitivity, ensuring that the center's décor and programming reflect the diversity of the community, and celebrating cultural holidays and events. Having multilingual staff members or volunteers can also help non-native speakers feel more comfortable and understood.

Thirdly, senior centers can leverage technology to reach and engage with older adults who may be more comfortable interacting online than in person. Senior centers should utilize various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, community bulletin boards, and local media, to spread the word about their offerings. Effective communication is key to reaching a broader audience. Outreach efforts should include partnerships with local organizations, places of worship, and ethnic community groups to ensure that information reaches all potential members. Providing materials in multiple languages can also help bridge communication gaps.

Fourthly, promoting health and wellness is crucial for attracting baby boomers and older adults. Senior centers can focus on providing personalized support and services that address the unique needs and challenges of older adults, such as healthcare navigation, transportation assistance, and home-delivered meals. By offering a variety of fitness classes tailored to different ability levels, wellness workshops, and access to health screenings and resources, senior centers can demonstrate their commitment to supporting the well-being and quality of life of older adults.

Programs focusing on mental health, such as meditation, mindfulness, and support groups, are also important. Incorporating holistic approaches that consider the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of seniors can make the centers more appealing and beneficial.

Lastly, senior centers can prioritize community outreach and engagement by partnering with local healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations to reach and serve older adults who may not be aware of the senior center's services or may be hesitant to access them.

Centers can also create opportunities for intergenerational interaction can make senior centers more appealing to baby boomers who often have strong connections with their children and grandchildren. Programs that bring together seniors and younger generations, such as mentoring, tutoring, and collaborative projects, can foster a sense of community and mutual learning. These interactions can be enriching for both seniors and younger participants, promoting understanding and respect across generations.

By building relationships with these organizations and engaging with the broader community, senior centers can increase their visibility and reach, and better serve the needs of ageing baby boomers and older adults from diverse communities. By implementing these strategies, senior centers can create dynamic and inclusive environments that appeal to aging baby boomers and older adults from diverse communities. This approach not only enhances the relevance of senior centers but also ensures that they remain vibrant hubs of activity, support, and community engagement for all seniors.

Socialization at Senior Centers

 Socialization is a cornerstone of well-being, especially for seniors. However, not all groups, such as immigrant and ethnic minorities and older males, utilize senior centers as frequently as others. To address this, senior centers can adopt several strategies to attract and engage these underrepresented groups, ensuring that their programs are inclusive and appealing to a diverse population.

1. Cultural Inclusivity and Sensitivity:

To attract immigrant and ethnic minorities, senior centers should offer culturally inclusive programs. This can include language classes, cultural festivals, and celebrations of various ethnic holidays. Hiring staff who speak multiple languages and are culturally competent can help create a welcoming environment. Partnering with local ethnic organizations can also aid in tailoring programs that resonate with different cultural groups.

2. Outreach and Community Engagement:

Many seniors from immigrant and minority backgrounds might be unaware of the resources available to them. Senior centers can conduct outreach through community leaders, places of worship, ethnic media outlets, and social media platforms. Hosting open houses and informational sessions in various languages can help spread awareness about the benefits of joining a senior center.

3. Tailored Activities and Programs:

To attract more men, senior centers can introduce programs that align with their interests. Workshops on woodworking, technology, or car maintenance, as well as sports clubs or fitness classes that focus on traditionally male-dominated activities, can be particularly appealing. Additionally, creating spaces where men can socialize over activities like chess, card games, or discussions about current events might draw more male participants.

4. Intergenerational Programs:

Involving younger generations can attract both immigrant communities and males. Programs that encourage interaction between seniors and youth, such as mentoring programs, technology tutoring, or shared cultural activities, can foster a sense of community and purpose. These programs not only benefit seniors but also provide valuable learning experiences for younger participants.

5. Flexible and Accessible Services:

Offering flexible schedules and transportation services can make senior centers more accessible to those who might have difficulty attending due to mobility issues or lack of transportation. Centers can also consider providing virtual programs for those who prefer or need to stay at home.

6. Feedback and Continuous Improvement:

Regularly seeking feedback from current and potential members, especially those from underrepresented groups, can help senior centers understand their needs and preferences better. Surveys, focus groups, and suggestion boxes can be useful tools for gathering insights. Implementing changes based on this feedback demonstrates that the center values and respects all its members.

7. Health and Wellness Programs:

Providing health and wellness programs that cater to the specific needs of different groups can be a strong attraction. For instance, offering health screenings, fitness classes, and dietary workshops that consider cultural dietary practices can show a commitment to holistic well-being.

8. Marketing and Communication:

Effective marketing strategies are essential. Using inclusive imagery and language in promotional materials ensures that everyone feels welcome. Additionally, highlighting success stories of diverse members enjoying and benefiting from the center's programs can encourage others to join.

By implementing these strategies, senior centers can become vibrant hubs of diversity and inclusivity, offering socialization opportunities that cater to the unique needs and preferences of all seniors. This not only enriches the lives of individuals but also strengthens the community as a whole.

Making the Case for More Funding

Given the crucial role senior centers play in fostering socialization, education, and recreation for all seniors, it is imperative to advocate for increased funding. More resources would enable centers to:

Expand and Diversify Programs: Offering a wider range of culturally inclusive and interest-specific activities.

Improve Accessibility: Providing transportation services and virtual program options.

Enhance Outreach Efforts: Engaging underrepresented groups through targeted marketing and community partnerships.

Upgrade Facilities: Ensuring that centers are welcoming, comfortable, and equipped with the necessary amenities for diverse activities.

Hire Specialized Staff: Employing multilingual and culturally competent staff to better serve a diverse senior population.

Investing in senior centers ensures that all seniors, regardless of their background or gender, have access to enriching social experiences and support systems, promoting a healthy and fulfilling retirement.

I receive the odd email

I received this email the other day

Hello Royce,

You may be interested in this story:

RCMP squad enters BC condo without legal authority, apprehends couple in their 70s

If you can, we would appreciate you spreading the word to your friends and colleagues far and wide. Mainstream media seems not to want to expose these stories.

Thank you,

It is a scary story and if it is true, it raises a number of issues:

Issues I see: 

1. The rights of the Police to enter a home without permission in Canada

I understand the police have this right but it appears from the story that in this case, they overstepped their boundaries.

 2. What happens when seniors are discharged from a hospital. From this story, it appears that there was no regard, at least initially about how the senior could bet home, and it appears that only after some time did he get help because he was never admitted, which raises questions about why? For example, did the police know that the reason for the detention was false?

According to Wicks, two doctors eventually arrived, one of whom he describes as a young emergency physician and the other one, a geriatric psychiatrist. Wicks was interviewed by each doctor separately. “I asked each of the doctors why I was brought there, but they said they didn’t know! They appeared to be as mystified as I was [about] why I was there.” After the doctors left, Wicks said, “I asked the attending nurse if I was still detained. The nurse replied, ‘You were never admitted.’ 

3. The right to be detained under the Mental Health Act. The police have this authority, but according to the story they did not let the doctors at the hospital know why the senior was in the hospital and once he was questioned by the Dr. they let him go. Can the police, it appears arbitrarily pick up a senior and put them into the hospital for no reason?

4. The refusal of Nanaimo General Hospital to recognize the wifes' Power of Attorney and Representation Agreement and then their decision to hold her in the hospital and appoint social workers to be her guardian without due process for her husband.

Although he holds Power of Attorney for his wife Eileen and is her legal substitute decision-maker according to her Representation Agreement, Trevor Wicks says he was not contacted by the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). And, initially, NRGH only permitted their daughter, who resides in Qualicum Beach, to visit Eileen. It was not until five days later that the hospital permitted Mr. Wicks to see his wife.

On Monday, January 17 Wicks was told by his daughter that apparently “Parksville social workers have taken custody” of Eileen, but that NRGH would discharge her back home the following day, on Tuesday.

The authorities have been contacted for information but have not yet responded.

5. The final two paragraphs in the story are very alarming to me. If the last statement is true it should be investigated 

“Police in Canada execute hundreds of no-knock raids each year, The Fifth Estate has learned. The controversial tactic, also called dynamic entry, involves heavily armed police who enter a home unannounced when they believe the suspect might be armed or destroy evidence. In Canada, once police get their search warrant approved, they get to decide if they will barge in. But experts worry this tactic is trampling on people’s charter rights and say more oversight is needed.”

Similar assaults on older members of our society are increasing, but most incidents are kept well out of the public eye due to the power and control exerted by authorities, the virtual absence of consequences, and the lack of meaningful oversight.

If you or anyone you know has any further information about this incident or similar ones, or about the family that may pertain to this story, please contact Second Opinion QB by email at info@secondopinionqb.ca, as we are continuing to investigate this incident for possible follow-up story(ies).

Send your comments and concerns, ideally by email or letter, to government bodies, especially the BC Ministry of Health, BC Seniors Advocate, your MP and your MLA, and the BC Attorney General. You can also use social media to contact these organizations and elected representatives. This is the first group that should be contacted. 

Please do not reveal any personal details about the Wicks, as you might inadvertently cause problems for them. 

It is fine though, to convey your support for the couple, info about your personal friendships, etc. and of course, any general concerns about the actions taken by authorities.

Cranky Old Man

Not my story, but it is a wonderful story as it is not true, so I thought I would share after reading the poem I searched for the original and it and the story behind the poem is after the poem called Cranky Old Man. When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but this eloquent, poem.

And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Cranky Old Man

What do you see nurses? ......What do you see?

What are you thinking... when you're looking at me?

A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,

Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food... .... and makes no reply.

When you say in a loud voice. .'I do wish you'd try!'

Who seems not to notice. .the things that you do.

And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,

With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?

Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?

Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,

As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.

I'm a small child of Ten. .with a father and mother,

Brothers and sisters .. . .... who love one another

A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet

Dreaming that soon now . . ..... a lover he'll meet.

A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.

Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.

Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.

A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,

Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,

But my woman is beside me... to see I don't mourn.

At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,

Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.

I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.

For my young are all rearing ... young of their own.

And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.

It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles ..... grace and vigour, depart.

There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass. A young man still dwells,

And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells

I remember the joys . . . .... I remember the pain.

And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.

And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, people .. . . . ... open and see.

Not a cranky old man.

Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too!

PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM!

The best and most beautiful things in this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart!

The story and the original poem are below thanks to hoax slayer for the information

The poem itself has a long and somewhat convoluted history. The original version of the poem (included below) featured an old woman rather than an old man and was set in the UK. The poem has been known by several names, including “Crabbit Old Woman”, “Kate”, “Look Closer Nurse” and “What Do You See”. For decades, the poem has been included in various publications in the United Kingdom often accompanied by the claim that the poem was found by nursing staff in the belongings of an old woman named Kate who died in a hospital’s geriatric ward. Many versions claim that the hospital was located in Scotland. Others claim the hospital was in England or Wales.

In fact, the provenance of the piece remains somewhat hazy. However, credible reports suggest that the poem may actually have been written by Phyllis McCormack in 1966, who at the time was working as a nurse in a Scottish hospital. In a 2005 report about the poem for ‘Perspectives on Dementia Care’, 5th Annual Conference on Mental Health and Older, Joanna Bornat notes:

Amongst the responses to a small survey which I carried out in 1998 while researching attitudes to the poem 3 (Bornat, 2004) was a cutting from the Daily Mail newspaper in which the son of Phyllis McCormack, whose name is often linked with the poem as its discoverer, explained:

My mother, Phyllis McCormack, wrote this poem in the early Sixties when she was a nurse at Sunnyside Hospital in Montrose. Originally entitled Look Closer Nurse, the poem was written for a small magazine for Sunnyside only Phyllis was very shy and  submitted her work anonymously.
A copy of the magazine was lent to a patient at Ashludie Hospital, Dundee, who copied it in her own handwriting and kept it in her bedside locker. When
she died, the copy was found and submitted to the Sunday Post newspaper, attributed to the Ashludie patient. Since my mother’s death in 1994 her work has travelled all over the world…
(Daily Mail, 12 March 1998).

Somehow this explanation rings true, though it immediately begs the question of how the origin story was constructed in the first place and whether the poem depends on an apparent myth for its continuing appeal. Encounters have been mixed as responses to the 1998 survey suggested.

The currently circulating “old man” variant of the piece is apparently an adaptation of the original by US poet David L. Griffith of Texas and can still be seen in its original context on his website. Griffith calls his adaptation of the poem “Too Soon Old” but it is also known as a “Crabby Old Man” and, as in the version included above, “Cranky Old Man.”

The original version of the poem:

Crabbit Old Woman

What do you see, nurses what do you see

Are you thinking when you are looking at me

A crabbit old woman, not very wise,

Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes,

Who dribbles her food and makes no reply

When you say in a loud voice –I do wish you’d try

Who seems not to notice the things that you do

And for ever is losing a stocking or shoe,

Who unresisting or not, lets you do as you will

With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill

Is that what you are thinking, is that what you see,

Then open your eyes, nurses, you’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,

As I used at your bidding, as I eat at your will,

I am a small child of ten with a father and mother,

Brothers and sisters who love one another,

A young girl of 16 with wings on her feet

Dreaming that soon now a lover she’ll meet;

A bride at 20 — my heart gives a leap,

Remembering the vows that I promised to keep

At 25 now I have young of my own

Who need me to build a secure, happy home;

A women of 30 my young now grow fast,

Bound to each other with ties that should last,

At 40 my young sons have grown and are gone;

But my man’s beside me to see I don’t mourn;

At 50, once more babies play around my knee.

Again we know children, my loved one me

Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead,

I look at the future, I shudder with dread,

For my young are all rearing young of their own

And I think of the years and the love that I’ve known.

I’m an old woman now and nature is cruel

’tis her jest to make old age look like a fool.

The body it crumbles, grace and vigour depart,

There is now a stone where once was a heart

But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells

And now and again my battered heart swells

I remember the joys I remember the pain,

And I’m loving and living life over again.

I think of the years all too few – gone too fast,

And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, nurses open and see

Not a crabbit old women look closer – see me

Social Isolation

For seniors to continue and even expand their participation in society they need to remain healthy and engaged in their communities. However, research shows that an estimated 30 percent of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially

isolated.

According to the International Federation on Ageing, “the number one emerging issue facing seniors in Canada is keeping older people socially connected and active.

Social isolation and exclusion are related to serious negative health effects and reduced quality of life for seniors. Social isolation is also linked to the undervaluing of seniors in our society6 and the loss of seniors from the volunteer sector and the paid economy.

The National Seniors Council also asserts that the social isolation of seniors can cause communities to suffer from a lack of social unity, higher social costs, and the loss of the wealth of experience that seniors bring to our families, neighbourhoods and communities.

We don’t all of a sudden become socially isolated, isolation can be a result of several factors. Many of us experience physical changes (such as sickness or disability) and life changes (such as the loss of a spouse), which can reduce the number of social contacts and limit activities. Social and environmental factors, such as poverty and inadequate transportation, may also increase a senior’s chance of becoming socially isolated.

Social isolation is different from the feeling of loneliness, though the two are often related. Loneliness is the distress that results from discrepancies between ideal and perceived social relationships. This discrepancy perspective makes it clear that loneliness is not synonymous with being alone, nor does being with others guarantee protection from feelings of loneliness. Rather, loneliness is the distressing feeling that occurs when one’s social relationships are perceived as being less satisfying than what is desired.

Social isolation can generally be recognized by others observing a person’s relationships, while loneliness is a personal experience

Social isolation can result from major events or from a combination of small events over time. How much these incidents affect people depends on the economic, personal, material and social resources that they have available to help them cope. Seniors can draw on their life experience in managing difficult times to help them with the challenges of ageing. However, too many changes, especially one after another, can make it difficult to cope.

Social isolation happens when a senior’s social participation or social contact drops. About 30 percent of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated. Reports by Statistics Canada estimate that 19 percent16 and 24 percent of

Canadians over age 65 feel isolated from others and wish they could participate in more social activities.

The National Seniors Council’s Report on the Social Isolation of Seniors 2013–2014 states that the following factors may place seniors at risk of social isolation and loneliness:

·       living alone

·       being age 80 or older

·       having compromised health status

·       having multiple chronic health problems

·       having no children or contact with family

·       lacking access to transportation

·       living with low income

·       changing family structures

·       being left behind by younger

·       people migrating for work

·       location of residence

·       experiencing critical life transitions such as retirement, a death of a spouse, or losing a driver’s license

·       lacking awareness of or access to community services and programs

·       being a caregiver.

While there are many things that can put seniors at risk to become socially isolated, there are also other things that can help to ensure that seniors remain socially engaged. Protective factors, traits, situations or circumstances like these can help seniors to socially integrate and reduce the risks of social isolation:

·       being in good physical and mental health

·       having enough income and safe housing

·       feeling safe in your neighbourhood

·       having communication and literacy skills to find and get needed services

·       having satisfying relationships

·       having a supportive social network

·       feeling connected to and valued by others

·       having access to health and community services

·       feeling beneficial to society

·       having access to transportation

·       having a higher level of education

Isolation and loneliness

Isolation and loneliness is a very real fear for many older adults.  Many of us know of someone suffering from it, and it can be very sad.  This article from Tech-enhanced Life summarizes those discussions from their Longevity Explorers about social isolation and loneliness. This synthesis was created from a number of Longevity Explorer discussions by Mike Neises.

Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation: Takeaways
The Longevity Explorer groups identified a number of ways to help combat isolation and loneliness in either our own lives or the lives of others, as we grow older.  Here is their 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, make 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.  

Obstacles to Independence Part 2

4. Running out of Friends / Loneliness

I was watching Grace and Frankie, a wonderful series on Netflix and one of the episodes was about Grace going to more and more funerals. A common theme of ageing is the idea that eventually you may outlive your friends. Along with this is the fact that many people find it increasingly hard to make close friends as they grow older.

But as one needs more and more help with the activities of daily living, whether or not one has a stable of friends available to share the burdens can make a big difference. So, the loss of friends may mean a loss of independence.

5. Driving

Especially in North America, much of life requires getting from place A to place B by car. When you can't drive anymore, this means that simple activities like going grocery shopping can become much harder. Socializing becomes harder. The reality of the situation is that there are very few options for seniors who lose their right to drive. I know many people never have had a car, but for those who did and lost their right to drive the impact can be devastating.

With Uber or Lyft, suddenly the older adult can go where they want when they want (thus regaining autonomy). [Of course, you need to live somewhere they have these services, and have enough money to use them.]

6. Will Power & Attitude

Staying independent took significant willpower and hard work. When parts of the body are hurting, it takes willpower to go out and engage with the world. And to overcome possible physical challenges.

7. Energy Levels

A common theme: "We just can't get as much done in a day as before". So, activities of daily living that used to fit easily into a day start to loom large.

8. Cooking & Eating

Some see cooking and eating as necessary evils, and some as pleasures to be indulged every day. A friend of mine is a chef, and he thrives in the kitchen, he loves to cook and his world revolves around eating. I can cook, but I don’t spend time on it and sometimes it is a burden to have to cook. The key seemed to be arranging life so that meal preparation is not a burden.

Not being able to feed yourself was, of course, one of the physical health challenges that could impact independence largely.

Social Isolation of Seniors Part 1

Being socially active and connected is at the core of having a good retirement and ageing well. Being connected is an important social determinant of health and social connectedness is beneficial to your health. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can lead to serious consequences for senior health. 

Understanding the causes and risk factors for senior isolation can help us prevent it. Nobody relishes the prospect of ageing without a spouse or family member at their side, without friends to help them laugh at the ridiculous parts and support them through the difficult times. Yet that is just what many North American seniors face. The quality and number of connections you have with others are important to your health. These connections include

•         family

•         friends

•         neighbours

•         acquaintances

•         Also, known as social support, social capital, and social engagement

As the baby boomer generation crosses the over-65 threshold, it grows; but many of our ageing loved ones are still feeling alone in the crowd.

A key determinate of health and one that we can control the choices we make/ An example of this is where one lives. One’s neighbourhood may provide an opportunity for social interaction with others through the availability of organisations (e.g. community centres, clubs, etc.…) and community-based programs. Similarly, living in a neighbourhood where neighbours know each other builds a sense of trust and community: Having a high sense of community is associated with improved mental and immunological health

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 11 million, or 28% of people aged 65 and older, lived alone in 2010. As people get older, their likelihood of living alone only increases. Additionally, more and older adults do not have children, reports the AARP, and that means fewer family members to provide company and care as those adults become seniors

While living alone does not inevitably lead to social isolation, it is certainly a predisposing factor. Yet another important consideration is how often seniors engage in social activities.

Statistics Canada reports that 80% of Canadian seniors participate in one or more social activities on a frequent basis (at least monthly) – but that leaves fully one-fifth of seniors not participating in weekly or even monthly activities.

Social contacts tend to decrease as we age for a variety of reasons, including retirement, the death of friends and family, or lack of mobility. Regardless of the causes of senior isolation, the consequences can be alarming and even harmful. Even perceived social isolation – the feeling that you are lonely – is a struggle for many older people.

Fortunately, the past couple of decades has seen increasing research into the risks, causes, and prevention of loneliness in seniors.

Fact: Loneliness and social isolation impacts the health of seniors more than 6% of Canadians over the age of 65 reported not having any friends

It is in our best interest to combat these changes because social participation and social support are both strongly connected to good health and wellness over the life course. The interaction of poverty, a function of one’s income, with social participation displays conceptually how income may act as a social determinant of health. Although social connectedness plays a significant role in health, seniors are more likely than any other age group to feel lonely or isolated

For seniors, social exclusion is found in several forms:

• Exclusion from society due to laws or societal discrimination (e.g. mandatory retirement)
• Failure of society to provide for the needs of seniors
• (e.g. affordable housing)
• Denial of opportunities to contribute and participate actively in society (e.g. not being represented on a community planning committee)
• Economic exclusion (e.g. unequal or lack of access to resources)