Senior loneliness

Senior loneliness is defined as an elderly person who has few or no contact with others. Isolation is the number one problem among seniors in Quebec according to Margerite Blais, the minister responsable for seniors and the elderly in Quebec (source, french only). For a few decades now, loneliness among senior women has been increasing more quickly than within the elderly male population, but loneliness is still more present among men (source).

Lonely seniors

At the Place Sanborn old age home, seniors have the possibility of socializing together. They are also in daily contact with the support staff that looks over them, as well as the nurses and doctor monitoring their health. Therefore an elderly person at risk of becoming a lonely will receive the necessary attention in the retirement home.

Help for seniors

To be able to counter loneliness among elderly people, it is important to know what resources are available to help a lonely senior.

Seniors Canada – Working for Seniors
Help the Aged – Canadian chapter of the international non-profit group.
Ministère de la Famille et des Aînés - Has help programs for seniors in Quebec (French only)

At all times, ask info-santé for help by dialing 811 anywhere in Quebec.