1. Taking the “I” Out of isolation
Rachel Weldrick, PhD Candidate
McMaster University

2. Outline 01 02 03 04 What is social isolation?
New Frontiers in Isolation Research 02
Taking the “I” Out of Social Isolation 03
Shifting Responses 04

3. What is social isolation?“
Social isolation occurs when a person has minimal social contact with good, fulfilling social relationships. As a result, people who experience social isolation typically lack meaningful social engagement with their communities and do not feel a strong sense of belonging. .”
(Grenier, Weldrick, & Bradford-Janke, 20161)

4. What are the negative outcomes of social isolation?
Individual Level
- increased risk of cognitive decline & dementia
- increased risk of depression
- increased risk of loneliness and low self-esteem
- increased risk of experiencing elder abuse
- increased risk of falls and hospitalization
- increased risk of premature mortality and suicide
(Adapted from Grenier, Weldrick, & Bradford-Janke, 20161)

5. The Changing Nature of Social Isolation in Canada
Getting “worse” over time
Difficult to estimate numbers
Urbanization of Canada
Global immigration patterns
Increasing avg. life span

6. New Frontiers in Social Isolation Research

7. “Alone in a Crowd” Social isolation among urban dwelling older women in Hamilton, ON

8. Isolation in Hamilton In Hamilton…
Approx. 15% of Hamilton’s population3
Approx. 12,000 isolated older people3
(SPRC of Hamilton, 2017)

9. Urban Social Isolation
- urban social isolation is very misunderstood
- How can we identify urban social isolation?
- How might urban isolation differ from rural isolation?

10. Urban Social Isolation
- Unique challenges with urban isolation
- Language and cultural barriers in urban communities
- May be pronounced in larger cities

11. Newcomers & Language Minorities
Newcomers and immigrants overrepresented among those who are isolated… why?
Lack of services/resources in dominant language
Life events tied to immigration
Lack of family (in some cases)
Often hand-in-hand with poverty, income challenges

12. Urban “Challenges” Safety (real or perceived)
Location of services (e.g. concentration)
Availability of services (e.g. waitlists)
Lack of language and cultural supports
Poverty

13. Taking the “I” Out of Social Isolation

14. Re-framing social isolation as a community problem… not an individual one

15. “Collective” Consequences of Social Isolation
- societies miss out on contributions of seniors1
- inflated healthcare costs (although this is disputed)
- ”weakening of social bonds” between generations2
- older adults become increasingly “invisible”1

16. Where do we start? Remove blame and stigma from those who are isolated
E.g. language minority, poverty, mobility challenges

17. The Role of Communities
How can communities help to reduce and prevent social isolation among seniors?
Build communities that are inclusive of older people
Design physical spaces that are accessible for all older people
Ensure public services meet needs of older citizens

18. Shifting Policy, Programs, and Responses

19. Reducing social isolation through policy and programs
National policy support
Increased funding for community programs
Life long prevention of poverty
Improved supports for newcomers & language minorities
Support at all ages to prevent poverty
e.g. National Seniors Strategy

20. What can we do as individuals?
- Connect with families, friends, neighbours
- Reach out if/when possible
- Refer if/when possible

21. Conclusion Yes, urban social isolation does exist!
Taking the “I” out of isolation
Social isolation is a collective problem, and needs a collective response
Prevention is key… and starts with support for those who need it most

22. References
1Grenier, A., Weldrick, R., & Bradford-Janke, A. (2016). Training session: Social isolation. Presented to the Hamilton Seniors Isolation Impact Plan (HSIIP). Hamilton, ON.
2Buffel, T., Rémillard-Boilard, S., & Phillipson, C. (2015). Social Isolation Among Older People in Urban Areas. Manchester, UK.

23. Thank you! Contact: Rachel Weldrick rachelweldrick@gmail.com
Rachel Weldrick
2018