Social Isolation of Seniors in Quebec: Factors and Statistics
5 February 2023
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Little Brothers creates meaningful relationships for socially-isolated seniors
In Québec, the number of seniors is growing at an ever increasing rate. Of this number, 20% are at risk of experiencing loneliness. By 2030, Québec’s population will include approximately 1,100,000 individuals aged 75 and over, with 220,000 suffering from social isolation.
We, as a society, must take action to take care of the generations who have come before us, who have contributed so much to building the foundations of a more equitable society.
What is social isolation?
Social isolation is more than just feeling lonely or living alone. It refers to people who are suffering and in danger because their relationships are clearly insufficient, both in number and quality.
There is a great discrepancy between the beliefs about aging and the reality. Prejudice against the elderly, commonly called ageism, is one of the main causes of their social exclusion.
Learn more about the impacts of social isolation with our series of articles.
Little Brothers’ Work
In many parts of Québec, Little Brothers are watching over their Great Friends. We offer personalized companionship tailored to each situation.
Our volunteers organize events that bring people together, pair seniors and volunteers, and create bonds. For them, every get-together and every phone call is an opportunity to show seniors that they really care.
3 strategies to break social isolation employed by our organization
1. Connecting People
We are committed to building healthy and lifelong trusting relationships in the lives of elders. To achieve this goal, we organize home visits, meetings, activities, New Year’s Eve parties, and vacation getaways, allowing isolated seniors to interact with others and reclaim their role in society.
These gestures provide much needed affection, restore social ties and allow lonely elders to reintegrate the social fabric that surrounds and supports them.
2. Mobilization
We are implementing various strategies to mobilize communities in support of these vulnerable citizens. We must raise awareness and promote caring and kindness towards seniors. Training volunteers and acknowledging their importance are also an integral part of our strategy.
By working together, we can put these actions into place, promote solidarity, and break the social isolation of the elderly.
3. Raising Awareness
As witnesses to the difficulties experienced by those we accompany, we have the responsibility to remember, testify, comprehend, and alert. We encourage our Great Friends to express themselves and as much as possible, we try to make their voices heard.
These actions help to inform and raise public awareness about the issues faced by vulnerable seniors, in the hopes of creating a more inclusive and supportive society.
