Mental Health Week runs May 4 to 10 this year, and the Canadian Mental Health Association picked “Come Together, Canada” as this year’s theme. One focus area is loneliness among older adults, a problem that’s more common, and more serious, than people often assume.
About 10% of Canadian seniors say they feel lonely, and that number climbs higher for people on a lower income or facing other barriers to getting out and connecting with others. Loneliness isn’t just an uncomfortable feeling. It’s linked to real effects on physical health too, not just mood.
The antidote isn’t complicated, even if it takes some effort: a regular drop-in group, a fitness class, a volunteer shift, or even a weekly phone call can make a real difference. Knowing what’s nearby is often the hardest part, and that’s exactly what a directory like this one is for.
If you’ve been feeling isolated lately, or you know someone who has, this week is as good a nudge as any to reach out or look something up.