Many of us have felt first-hand the harmful effects of social isolation in recent months. In fact, more than a third of Canadians say that the pandemic has hurt their mental health. And, according to Statistics Canada, seniors are at the greatest risk of feeling disconnected from family and friends.
Here are a few ways to stay connected as you age:
Create community. It’s natural for your social circle to shift throughout your life. As kids move out and you step back from work responsibilities, you may feel more isolated. Developing new circles of friends or reconnecting with those you’ve lost touch with can help drive meaningful social connections. To build new friendships, take part in group activities that bring you joy and offer opportunities to socialize. Try a walking group, a bird-watching club or even a book club. You’ll be able to meet people at similar stages and forge connections to help you thrive.
Establish a schedule. Get in the habit of staying in touch with friends and family. Rather than waiting for others to reach out, take the initiative to reconnect with loved ones – and make it an ongoing commitment. Whether it’s once a month or once a week, setting aside recurring virtual or in-person time for socializing will take the work out of making plans, while also giving you something to look forward to on an ongoing basis.
Go virtual. Digital technologies can connect us with loved ones and resources – near or far – they can help us participate in virtual catch-ups and community activities. That’s especially useful if you’re staying home due to COVID-19, or even if you’re less mobile. Adding phone calls, emails, video chats and social media to your repertoire can help you stay connected and boost feelings of community.
If this all seems intimidating, not to worry. Check out your library or community centre for workshops to help you feel more comfortable, or look for free online resources that can help.
There are also programs like the Telus Mobility for Good for Seniors program, which provides discounted smartphones and wireless plans to eligible seniors. Their Internet for Good for Seniors program also provides low-cost, high-speed internet plans for seniors in some provinces, along with digital literacy resources to help you get online and thrive. If you or somebody you know is on government assistance, you might be eligible.
-NC
