Between 2011 and 2016, Winnipeg’s older adult population (55+) increased by 2% to make up 28% of Winnipeg’s total population (Statistics Canada, 2011, 2016). Due to population aging taking place across the globe and right in our own city it is more important than ever before to ensure that specialized programs and services are in place to support older adults in aging well. While social isolation can occur at any point over the life course, it is especially prevalent among older adults.
“Social isolation is typically defined in terms of objective availability of social contacts or frequency of contact with social network members” (Menec, 2019). Meaning that social isolation depends on the availability and accessibility of a social network as well as the frequency of interaction with this social network. The National Seniors Council states, “It is estimated that up to 16% of seniors experience social isolation” (Statistics Canada, 2010, 2017).
Social isolation has been widely reported to have adverse affects on both mental and physical health. “For example, social isolation has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, dementia, and mortality. Similarly, loneliness is associated with a wide range of physical and mental health outcomes, such as physiological measures including increased blood pressure and depressed immune system, reduced cognitive function and mortality” (Menec, 2019).
An older adult may be more likely to experience social isolation if they are experiencing one or more of the following:
– Decreased Physical Health
– Decreased Social Opportunities
– Low Income
– At risk for abuse
– Minority
– Newcomer
– Language barrier
– LGBTQ2+
The Older Winnipeggers Social Engagement Project (OSWEP) is a 5-year project funded by the Government of Canada that seeks to improve the social engagement opportunities for older adults living in Winnipeg. While there are many great resources for older adults within our city, this project will be working to improve older adults’ awareness and accessibility to these programs, streamline the referral process; increase the awareness of available programming while linking all social engagement programs and services to better meet the needs of older Winnipeggers. Collaborating project partners include: A & O: Support Services for Older Adults (A & O), Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (MASC), Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS), and the University of Manitoba (U of M). For more information regarding this project, please contact 204-956-6440. Watch for more information: https://www.aosupportservices.ca/owsep/
The Manitoba Association of Senior Centres is collaborating with member centres and Senior Resource Finders/Support Services Coordinators to enhance the important connections they have within their local communities.
Our slogan is CONNECT & THRIVE, Check out our website: https://www.manitobaseniorcentres.com for locations and contact information for our member centres.