eFit for Individuals & Caregivers: Loneliness & Social Isolation
People need to have connections with friends, family, colleagues, and community groups. Social isolation refers to the number of contacts a person has to family, friends and community. Loneliness is an individual’s personal sense of feeling alone or wanting more connection. Someone could have a lot of connections and still feel lonely, while another person may choose to have very few connections and not feel lonely at all. People who have weak social connections are at increased risk of many additional health conditions including heart disease, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle and a weakened immune system.
“It Takes the Loneliness Away” – Reducing Social Isolation Among Older Adults ( Ontario Centres for Learning, Research & Innovation in Long-Term Care ):
Webinar Video
A Portrait of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Canada today ( Angus Reid Institute ):
Report
AVOID Frailty: How Interacting with Others can Reduce Risk ( Sagelink ):
Webinar recording
Handout PDF
Loneliness in older adults ( Canadian Medical Association Journal ):
Article
Loneliness in Seniors: Understanding It’s Impact and Ways to Help ( Closing the Gap Healthcare ):
Website
Social isolation and loneliness: the new geriatric giants ( The College of Family Physicians in Canada ):
Article
Social Isolation: Loneliness Could be Deadly (Canada) ( Caregiver Stress ):
Article
STAY CONNECTED: to Combat Loneliness and Social Isolation ( National Institute on Aging ):
Infographic
Tips for Reducing Loneliness in Elders Around the Holidays ( AgingCare ):
Website
What is Keeping Connected? ( Closing the Gap Healthcare ):
Website