According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “anyone, anywhere, can be lonely or socially isolated. Across all ages and regions, loneliness and social isolation have serious impacts on our physical and mental health, and the well-being of our communities and society.” This is so important that the WHO has established a Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026) aims to see the issue recognized and resourced as a global public health priority.

This has been all over the news lately but here at Community Care for Seniors we’ve long been on the front lines of addressing this issue among seniors. When the agency was established in 1977, one of the first programs started was “friendly visiting” where every week a volunteer would visit a lonely senior. They would talk, play a game, go for a walk, or do whatever it was that the client wanted. The point was to do this together.

In the intervening years, Community Care has established many programs and services to bring seniors together. Many of these services were on hold or modified due to the pandemic. The pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness for many people, young and older alike.

We have a team of caring volunteers who make reassurance / wellness calls to seniors. The volunteers get as much out of the calls as do the people they call. We have weekly telephone / online group chats on pertinent topics. These are free and open to all seniors. Online webinars are another offering – something new that came about because of the pandemic – and participation is growing. We have volunteers to help people get set up for participation if that’s a challenge. The Rural Route Reassurance program is still on the road. Volunteering can be a very social activity. This is something else we invite you to talk about with Community Care staff.

Research has shown that loneliness is as bad for people’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That means that if you’re feeling lonely it needs to be addressed. Consider making that call to start the journey of alleviating the feelings that come with being isolated, alone or lonely. Friendly people are on the other end of the line when you make a phone call to Community Care at 613-476-7493. Check the website at www.communitycareforseniors.org and see all that we have on the go. Hope to hear from you soon.