Factors that can Reduce the Impact of

Factors that can Reduce the Impact of
Prepared for: Wellbeing Waterloo Region 18 September 2019 Factors that can Reduce the Impact of Social Isolation on Overall Wellbeing in Waterloo Region A Closer Look: A Report of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing When referring to this report, please use this citation: Smale, B., & Gao, M. (2019). Factors that can reduce the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing in Waterloo Region. A report prepared for Wellbeing Waterloo Region. Waterloo, ON: Canadian Index of Wellbeing and University of Waterloo. For more information about the CIW, visit

Reliability of Sample and Results
Multipronged strategy to generate a representative sample, with targeted efforts to ensure lower income families, newcomers, and older adults were included Estimated response rate of between 10% and 12% – above expectation for general population survey Weighting of data by municipality, age, and sex ensures balanced representation of voices from across the Region Results Careful assessment of all respondents to ensure reliable and valid responses to majority of questions on survey With over 5,000 viable respondents from across the region, the margin of error is ±1.4% (19 time out of 20) – better than most national polls

Social Isolation and Overall Wellbeing

Key Concepts in this Report
Social isolation: The extent to which residents feel they are socially isolated in the community Measures of social isolation and sense of community Table A7-SI can be found on page 38 in the original technical report prepared for Wellbeing Waterloo Region. [Source: Smale, B., & Gao, M. (2019). A Closer Look: CIW Community Wellbeing Survey Results for Waterloo Region. A report prepared for Wellbeing Waterloo Region. Waterloo, ON: Canadian Index of Wellbeing and University of Waterloo.] The questions related to participants’ social isolation can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section A: Community Vitality – A7 ), which are based on the UCLA 3-item measure of social isolation.

Sense of Community and its dimensions Measures of social isolation and sense of community Table A7-Summary can be found on page 35 in the original technical report prepared for Wellbeing Waterloo Region. [Source: Smale, B., & Gao, M. (2019). A Closer Look: CIW Community Wellbeing Survey Results for Waterloo Region. A report prepared for Wellbeing Waterloo Region. Waterloo, ON: Canadian Index of Wellbeing and University of Waterloo.] The 12 items related to different dimensions of sense of community can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section A: Community Vitality – A7). The three dimensions captured in the Sense of Community scale are as follows: Social climate and bonds, which refers to the connectedness that people feel in the community. It includes questions such as “I have good friends in this community”; “I feel at ease with the people in this community”; “People are sociable here”; “It is difficult for me to connect with the people in this community”. Help in case of need, which refers to the perception regarding whether residents could receive help from others in case of need in their community. It includes questions such as “People in this community are available to give help if somebody needs it”; “If I had a problem, few people in this community would try to help me”; “In this community, people are not willing to help those in need”; “If I had an emergency, people I do not know would be willing to help me”. Needs fulfillment, which refers to perceived opportunities, services and resources that could fulfill residents’ needs in their community. It includes questions such as “This community provides opportunities for me to do a lot of different things”; “If I need help, this community has many excellent services to meet my needs”; “In this community there is never much to do”; “In this community I have few opportunities to satisfy my needs”.

Sense of belonging: Residents’ perceived sense of belonging to local community Measure of sense of belonging to community Table A8 can be found on page 39 in the original technical report prepared for Wellbeing Waterloo Region. [Source: Smale, B., & Gao, M. (2019). A Closer Look: CIW Community Wellbeing Survey Results for Waterloo Region. A report prepared for Wellbeing Waterloo Region. Waterloo, ON: Canadian Index of Wellbeing and University of Waterloo.] The question that asked participants’ sense of belonging to local community can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section A: Community Vitality - A8).

Residents with disabilities
Groups within the Region to be considered Low income residents Young residents Residents with disabilities For each group, three questions are addressed: Which factors within critical domains are most strongly related to overall wellbeing? How does each group compare to other residents on various aspects of sense of community? What factors within critical domains help to reduce the impact of social isolation?

Low income residents Young residents Residents with disabilities

Low Income Residents Low income: Total household income before taxes from all sources was under $30,000 per year Selected characteristics of low income residents: 23.6% were not born in Canada (and 39.9% of these people are newcomers, having lived in Canada less than 10 years) 49.8% are under 35 years of age 50.2% are women 73.1% are on their own (single, divorced, or widowed) Work 29.1% do not work (unemployed, or on leave due to long-term disability) Housing 65.9% spend more than 30% of monthly income on housing AND 25.2% spend more than 50% of monthly income on housing 54% are living alone or sharing accommodation 68.6% rent their current residence Health 48.3% are living with a disability (mental or physical) or chronic illness that limits their activity

Democratic Engagement
Low Income Residents: Which domains are most critical to wellbeing? Democratic Engagement Community Vitality Healthy Populations Living Standards Time Use Education Environment Leisure and Culture Relative importance of domains “Which domains are the most critical to community wellbeing for low income residents?” There are three answers to this question: First, all eight domains make a significant contribution to wellbeing. In other words, every domain enhances the wellbeing of residents in its own way and works in conjunction with all other domains in further enhancing wellbeing. Second, when the relative contribution of each domain to low income residents’ overall wellbeing is compared, three domains emerge as having the greatest impact: Leisure and Culture, Community Vitality, and Time Use. In other words, as progress is made in areas linked to these domains, the impact on wellbeing is greater than it would be by similar progress made on other domains. Third, the domains not only all contribute to overall wellbeing, they interact in meaningful ways to collectively have an impact. All of the domains are also highly related to one another. Consequently, all explorations of the various indicators that affect wellbeing should be considered in conjunction with indicators from all domains to understand the intersection of the domains.

Factors related to overall wellbeing
Low Income Residents: Factors related to overall wellbeing Which factors are most strongly related to overall wellbeing for low income residents? Adequate time to participate or be active in the community Number of hours sleep per day Time Use Cost of recreation/culture programs prevents participation Recreation and cultural facilities welcoming to me Leisure and Culture Sense of belonging to community Safe from crime walking alone after dark in the neighbourhood Confidence in justice system and courts Feelings of social isolation Community Vitality Factors related to overall wellbeing for low income residents “What are significant factors in the domains of Community Vitality, Leisure and Culture, and Time Use that are related to overall wellbeing for low income residents?” In the Community Vitality domain, sense of belonging to community, safety from crime walking alone after dark in the neighbourhood, confidence in justice system and courts, and feelings of social isolation are the most significant factors related to low income residents’ overall wellbeing. In the Leisure and Culture domain, the cost of recreation and culture programs and whether facilities are welcoming are the most significant factors related to low income residents’ overall wellbeing. In the Time Use domain, having adequate time to participate in the community and number of hours of sleep per day are the most significant factors related to the overall wellbeing of low income residents.

Sense of community Low Income Residents:
Low income and sense of community “How do low income residents and the general population compare on various aspects of sense of community?” Low income residents have slightly weaker sense of community with respect to needs fulfillment compared to the general population of Waterloo Region. Low income residents have significantly higher feelings of social isolation compared to the general population of Waterloo Region.

Overall, social isolation has a negative impact on wellbeing
Low Income Residents: Social isolation and overall wellbeing Social Climate Help in Case of Need Needs Fulfillment Others? Social Isolation Overall Wellbeing negative impact Overall, social isolation has a negative impact on wellbeing What factors might help to reduce the impact of social isolation? Social isolation and overall wellbeing “In what way is social isolation related to the overall wellbeing of low income residents?” Social isolation has a significant negative impact on the overall wellbeing of low income residents. This negative relationship is found in all areas of the Region (i.e., cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, and all four townships). A number of other factors, however, have been identified that can help reduce the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing.

Social Isolation and Overall Wellbeing:
The role of perceived time adequacy Low income residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does perceived time adequacy to participate in community help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for lower income residents?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, lower income residents who have higher perceived time adequacy to participate in community report higher overall wellbeing compared to residents who have lower perceived time adequacy to participate in community. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships). Note: The question related to perceived time adequacy can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section H: Time Use – H6). “To what extent is there enough time for you to participate in or be active in the community?” It is measured on a 10-point scale, ranging from “not at all enough” (1) to “almost always enough” (10).

The role of sense of belonging to community Low income residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does sense of belonging to community help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for lower income residents?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, lower income residents who have a strong sense of belonging to community report higher overall wellbeing compared to residents who have a weak sense of belonging to community. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships), but is especially significant for low income residents living in the city of Waterloo. Note: Question related to sense of belonging to community can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section A: Community Vitality – A8). “How would you describe your sense of belonging to the community?” It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very weak” (1) to “very strong” (7).

The role of accessibility of recreation facilities gap increased slightly Low income residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does the perception of recreation facilities as welcoming spaces help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for lower income residents?” The degree to which lower income residents perceive recreation and cultural facilities as welcoming reduces the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing. In other words, for those low income residents feeling higher levels of social isolation, having access to recreation and culture facilities that are perceived as more welcoming is significantly related to higher levels of wellbeing. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships), but is especially significant for low income residents living in the city of Cambridge. Note: Question related to whether recreation facilities are welcoming can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section E: Leisure and Culture – E8). “Please indicate the extent to which you agree with each of the following statements. The recreation and cultural facilities are very welcoming to me.” It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very strongly disagree” (1) to “very strongly agree” (7).

The role of opportunities in community gap increased Low income residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Do perceived opportunities to take courses for interest help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for lower income residents?” Low income residents who agree more that there are plenty of opportunities to take courses for interest, reduces the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing. In other words, for those low income residents reporting higher levels of social isolation, greater perceived access to opportunities to take courses for interest is significantly related to higher levels of wellbeing. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships), but is especially significant for low income residents living in the city of Waterloo and in the townships. Note: The question related to whether recreation facilities are welcoming can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section F: Education – F3). “Please indicate the extent to which you agree with each of the following statements. There are plenty of opportunities to take courses of interest.” It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very strongly disagree” (1) to “very strongly agree” (7).

Young residents: Residents aged 16 to 29 years
Selected characteristics of young residents: 80.4% were born in Canada 15.2% are married AND 62.9% are single, never married 15.7% are living alone AND 21.1% are sharing accommodation with others 50.7% have a university or graduate degree Income and Work 36% have a total household income before taxes from all sources under $30,000 per year 57.3% are working Housing 56.6% spend more than 30% of monthly income on housing Health 20.1% are living with a disability (mental or physical) or chronic illness

Young Residents: Which domains are most critical to wellbeing? Democratic Engagement Community Vitality Healthy Populations Living Standards Time Use Education Environment Leisure and Culture Relative importance of domains “Which domains are the most critical to community wellbeing for young residents?” There are three answers to this question: First, all eight domains make a significant contribution to wellbeing. In other words, every domain enhances the wellbeing of residents in its own way and works in conjunction with all other domains in further enhancing wellbeing. Second, when the relative contribution of each domain to young residents’ overall wellbeing is compared, three domains emerge as having the greatest impact: Leisure and Culture, Community Vitality, and Time Use. In other words, as progress is made in areas linked to these domains, the impact on wellbeing is greater than it would be by similar progress made on other domains. Third, the domains not only all contribute to overall wellbeing, they interact in meaningful ways to collectively have an impact. All of the domains are also highly related to one another. Consequently, all explorations of the various indicators that affect wellbeing should be considered in conjunction with indicators from domains to understand the intersection of the domains.

Factors related to overall wellbeing
Young Residents: Factors related to overall wellbeing Which factors are most strongly related to overall wellbeing for young residents? Feeling rushed Adequate time to participate or be active in the community Number of hours sleep per day Time Use Attending festival Cost of recreation/culture programs prevents participation Childcare is available at recreation and culture facilities Leisure and Culture Needs fulfillment Discrimination based on age Sense of belonging to community Feelings of social isolation Community Vitality Factors perceived to affect wellbeing for young residents “What are significant factors in the domains of Community Vitality, Leisure and Culture, and Time Use that are related to overall wellbeing for young residents?” In the Community Vitality domain, perceived needs fulfillment, perceived discrimination based on age, sense of belonging to community, and feelings of social isolation are the most significant factors related to the overall wellbeing of young residents. In the Leisure and Culture domain, attending festivals, the cost of recreation and culture programs, and whether childcare is available at recreation and culture facilities are the most significant factors related to the overall wellbeing of young residents. In the Time Use domain, feeling of being rushed, having adequate time to participate in the community, and number of hours for sleeping per day are perceived as the most significant factors related to the overall wellbeing of young residents.

Sense of community Young Residents:
Young residents and sense of community “How do young residents and the overall population compare on various aspects of sense of community?” Young residents are slightly lower in their perceptions with respect to ALL aspects of sense of community (i.e., getting help in case of need, feeling their needs can be met in the community, perceived social climate and bonds, and sense of belonging to community) compared to the general population of Waterloo Region. Young residents have significantly higher feelings of social isolation compared to the general population of Waterloo Region.

Social isolation and overall wellbeing
Young Residents: Social isolation and overall wellbeing Social Isolation Overall Wellbeing negative impact Overall, social isolation has a negative impact on wellbeing What factors might help to reduce the impact of social isolation? Work-life balance Time adequacy Social climate and bonds Others? Job fit Social isolation and overall wellbeing “In what way is social isolation related to the overall wellbeing of younger residents?” Social isolation has a significant negative impact on the overall wellbeing of young residents. This negative relationship is found in all areas of the Region (i.e., cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, and all four townships). A number of other factors, however, have been identified that can help reduce the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing.

Social Isolation and Overall Wellbeing: The role of sense of belonging
Young residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does sense of belonging to community help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for younger residents?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, younger residents who have a strong sense of belonging to community report higher overall wellbeing compared to residents who have a weak sense of belonging to community. When social isolation is higher, a stronger sense of belonging to community helps to reduce the impact of social isolation on wellbeing. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships. Note: Question related to sense of belonging to community can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section A: Community Vitality – A8). “How would you describe your sense of belonging to the community?” It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very weak” (1) to “very strong” (7).

The role of perceived time adequacy Young residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does perceived time adequacy to participate in community help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for younger residents?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, young residents who have a higher perceived time adequacy to participate in community report higher overall wellbeing compared to young residents who have lower perceived time adequacy to participate in community. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships). Note: The question related to perceived time adequacy can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section H: Time Use – H6). “To what extent is there enough time for you to participate in or be active in the community?” It is measured on a 10-point scale, ranging from “not at all enough” (1) to “almost always enough” (10).

The role of adequacy of childcare services gap increased Young residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does perceived adequacy of childcare services help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for younger residents?” Younger residents who feel child care services in the community are adequate experience less of a negative impact of social isolation on their overall wellbeing. In other words, for those younger residents reporting higher levels of social isolation, providing adequate child care services can reduce the impact of social isolation on their wellbeing. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships). Note: Question related to perceived adequacy of child care services can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section H: Time Use – H3). “In general, do you think that families in our community have access to an adequate supply of child care services?”

The role of accessibility of recreation facilities gap increased Young residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does the perception of recreation facilities as welcoming spaces help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for younger residents?” The degree to which younger residents perceive recreation and cultural facilities as welcoming reduces the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing. In other words, for those younger residents feeling higher levels of social isolation, having access to recreation and culture facilities that are perceived as more welcoming is significantly related to higher levels of wellbeing. This pattern is found just in Cambridge and Waterloo. In Kitchener and the townships, however, perceptions of recreation and cultural facilities as welcoming do not reduce the impact of social isolation on younger residents’ overall wellbeing. Note: Question related to whether recreation facilities are welcoming can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section E: Leisure and Culture – E8). “Please indicate the extent to which you agree with each of the following statements. The recreation and cultural facilities are very welcoming to me.” It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very strongly disagree” (1) to “very strongly agree” (7).

The role of socialising with friends Less often More often Young residents Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does socialising with friends affect the negative relationship between social isolation and overall wellbeing?” The more frequently younger residents socialise with friends, the less impact increased social isolation has on reducing their overall wellbeing. In other words, for those younger residents feeling higher levels of social isolation, socialising with friends helps to reduce the impact of social isolation on their level of wellbeing. . This pattern is found just in Cambridge and Kitchener. In the city of Waterloo and the townships, however, socialising with friends does not reduce the impact of social isolation on younger residents’ overall wellbeing. Note: Question related to socialising with friends can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section E: Leisure and Culture – E1), which asks respondents to indicate the total number of times they participated socialising with friends in a typical month (e.g., getting together at someone’s home, dining out).

Living with a disability or chronic illness: Residents living with a physical or mental disability or a chronic illness that limits their ability to fully participate in the community Selected characteristics of residents living with a disability or chronic illness: 29.9% are under 35 years of age 49.6% are on their own (single, divorced, or widowed) 55% are women Income and Work 23.1% do not work (unemployed, or on leave due to long-term disability) 39.6% have a total annual household income before taxes from all sources lower than $30,000 Housing 38% are either living alone or sharing accommodation 47.5% rent their current residence 55.8% spend more than 30% of monthly income on housing 72.1% of residents living with a disability also said their physical or mental health limits their ability to fully participate in their community.

Residents with disabilities: Which domains are most critical to wellbeing? Democratic Engagement Community Vitality Healthy Populations Living Standards Time Use Education Environment Leisure and Culture Relative importance of domains “Which domains are the most critical to community wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness?” There are three answers to this question: First, all eight domains make a significant contribution to wellbeing. In other words, every domain enhances the wellbeing of residents in its own way and works in conjunction with all other domains in further enhancing wellbeing. Second, when the relative contribution of each domain to the overall wellbeing of residents with disabilities is compared, three domains emerge as having the greatest impact: Living Standards, Community Vitality, and Healthy Populations. In other words, as progress is made in areas linked to these domains, the impact on wellbeing is greater than it would be by similar progress made on other domains. Third, the domains not only all contribute to overall wellbeing, they interact in meaningful ways to collectively have an impact. All of the domains are also highly related to one another. Consequently, all explorations of the various indicators that affect wellbeing should be considered in conjunction with indicators from domains to understand the intersection of the domains.

Residents living with disabilities/chronic illness:
Factors related to overall wellbeing Which factors are most strongly related to overall wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness? Enough money for food Work interference with personal life Potential for job promotion Work-life balance Living Standards Sense of belonging to community Perceived needs fulfillment in community Social isolation Community Vitality Mental health Quality of health care services Accessibility of health care services Eating healthy meals regularly Healthy Populations Factors perceived to affect wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness “What are significant factors in the domains of Healthy Populations, Community Vitality, and Living Standards perceived to affect wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness?” In the Healthy Populations domain, self-rated mental health, perceived quality and accessibility of health care services, and eating healthy meals regularly are the most significant factors that affect the wellbeing of residents living with disabilities. In the Community Vitality domain, sense of belonging to community, perceived needs fulfillment, and feelings of social isolation are the most significant factors that affect the wellbeing of residents living with disabilities. In the Living Standards domain, having enough money for food, perceived work interference with personal life, potential for job promotion, and work-life balance are the most significant factors the affect the wellbeing of residents living with disabilities.

Disabilities and Sense of Community
Residents living with a disability or chronic illness and sense of community “How do residents living with a disability or chronic illness and the general population compare on various aspects of sense of community?” Residents living with disabilities have significantly lower perceptions with respect to ALL aspects of sense of community (i.e., getting help in case of need, feeling their needs can be met in the community, perceived social climate and bonds, and sense of belonging to community) compared to the general population of Waterloo Region. Residents living with disabilities have significantly higher feelings of social isolation compared to the general population of Waterloo Region.

Residents living with disabilities/chronic illness:
Social isolation and overall wellbeing Overall, social isolation has a negative impact on wellbeing Social Isolation Overall Wellbeing negative impact What factors might help to reduce the impact of social isolation? Social climate and bonds Needs Fulfillment Accessibility of recreation and cultural facilities Others? Social isolation and overall wellbeing “In what way is social isolation related to the overall wellbeing of residents living with a disability or chronic illness?” Social isolation has a significant negative impact on the overall wellbeing of residents living with a disability. This negative relationship is found in all areas of the Region (i.e., cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, and all four townships). A number of other factors, however, have been identified that can help reduce the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing.

Social Isolation and Overall Wellbeing: The role of perceived needs fulfillment Residents with disabilities Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does perceived needs fulfillment in community help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, residents with a disability who agree more that they could fulfill their needs in community report higher overall wellbeing compared to residents who agree less that they can fulfill their needs. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships). Note: Question related to the perceived needs fulfillment dimension of sense of community can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section A: Community Vitality – A7), which asks how residents how they feel about your community as a place to live. It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very strongly disagree” (1) to “very strongly agree” (7). The needs fulfillment dimension of sense of community includes statements such as “This community provides opportunities for me to do a lot of different things”; “If I need help, this community has many excellent services to meet my needs”; “In this community there is never much to do”; “In this community I have few opportunities to satisfy my needs”.

Social Isolation and Overall Wellbeing: The role of access to health care services Residents with disabilities Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does perceived access to heath care services help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, residents living with a disability who perceive health care services as being more accessible report higher overall wellbeing compared to those who report health care services as being less accessible. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships). Note: Question related to perceived accessibility of health care services can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section B: Healthy Populations – B4), which asked residents to rate the overall accessibility of the health care services in the community. It is measured on a 5-point scale, ranging from “poor” (1) to “excellent” (5).

Social Isolation and Overall Wellbeing: The role of opportunities in community Residents with disabilities gap increased Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does perceived places nearby to take courses for interest help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, residents living with a disability who agree more that there are opportunities to take courses for interest report higher overall wellbeing compared to those who agree less that there are such opportunities. In other words, for residents living with a disability reporting higher levels of social isolation, providing more opportunities/better access to courses for interest can reduce the impact of social isolation on their wellbeing. This pattern is found in all areas across the Region (i.e., all three cities and four townships), but is especially significant for residents living with a disability living in Cambridge. Note: Question related to perceived access to opportunities to take courses for interest can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section F: Education – F3), which asked residents to indicate their level of agreement that “there are plenty of opportunities to take courses of interest.” It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very strongly disagree” (1) to “very strongly agree” (7).

Social Isolation and Overall Wellbeing: The role of accessibility of recreational facilities Residents with disabilities gap increased Social isolation and overall wellbeing “Does perceived accessibility of recreation and culture facilities help to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for residents living with a disability or chronic illness?” When experiencing the same level of social isolation, residents living with a disability who agree more that recreation and culture facilities are easy to get to report higher overall wellbeing compared to those who agree less that these facilities are easy to get to. In other words, for residents living with a disability reporting higher levels of social isolation, providing recreation and culture facilities easier to get to can reduce the impact of social isolation on their wellbeing. This pattern is only found among residents living with a disability who live in the townships of Waterloo Region and not for those living in cities (i.e., Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo). Note: Question related to accessibility of recreation and cultural facilities (i.e., easy to get to) can be found in the Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey questionnaire (Section E: Leisure and Culture – E8), which asked residents to indicate the extent to which you agree with statements concerning access to recreation and cultural facilities. It is measured on a 7-point scale, ranging from “very strongly disagree” (1) to “very strongly agree” (7).

A pathway forward to wellbeing…
Which are some of the groups that appear to be falling behind in their wellbeing? Low income residents Young residents Residents living with a disability or chronic illness Reflections The most critical factors affecting wellbeing of each group are specific; however, several are common and addressing them could benefit multiple groups. There is no “silver bullet” that could solve social isolation and promote wellbeing; however, addressing several factors could collectively produce a greater reduction to the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing. Summary Based on analyses of demographic characteristics and overall wellbeing, low income residents, young residents, and residents living with a disability or chronic illness are identified as groups that appear to fall behind in their wellbeing. [see Smale, B., & Gao, M. (2019). A Closer Look: CIW Community Wellbeing Survey Results for Waterloo Region. Waterloo, ON: Canadian Index of Wellbeing and University of Waterloo.] This report investigated more deeply how social isolation affects residents’ overall wellbeing and explored factors that potentially buffer the impact of social isolation on residents’ overall wellbeing. There is no single solution to reduce social isolation and to promote wellbeing for all. The specific needs of a particular group should be considered when making decisions and taking actions to enhance their wellbeing. Although each group feels the impact of social isolation if different ways, there are specific factors that are common across groups and they should be the focus of action. By doing so, solutions that inspire positive changes in wellbeing for multiple groups can result. Relatedly, there is not a single factor that would resolve the issue of social isolation. Rather, addressing several different factors across domains simultaneously could enhance residents’ wellbeing to a greater degree than focusing on just one. The accumulated and/or combined effect generated by various factors will have a collective impact on residents’ wellbeing.

Common factors that can enhance overall wellbeing
A pathway forward to wellbeing Common factors that can enhance overall wellbeing Needs fulfillment Discrimination based on age Feeling safe walking alone after dark Confidence in justice system and courts Sense of belonging to community Social isolation Community Vitality Residents living with a disability or chronic illness Young residents Low income residents Common factors that can enhance wellbeing “What are some significant factors in Community Vitality that can enhance wellbeing for more than one of the selected groups?” All three groups – low income residents, young residents, and residents living with a disability or chronic illness -- will benefit from initiatives focused on increasing sense of belonging to community and decreasing feelings of social isolation. Both young residents and residents living with a disability or chronic illness will benefit from initiatives focused on needs fulfillment. Needs fulfillment refers to perceived opportunities, services, and resources that could fulfill residents’ needs in their community.

A pathway forward to wellbeing Common factors that can enhance overall wellbeing Cost of recreation/culture programs prevents participation Recreation and cultural facilities are welcoming Attending festivals Childcare is available at recreation and culture facilities Leisure and Culture Residents living with a disability or chronic illness Young residents Low income residents Common factors that can enhance wellbeing “What are some significant factors in Leisure and Culture that can enhance wellbeing for more than one of the selected groups?” Both young residents and low income residents will benefit from initiatives focused on increasing participation in recreational and cultural programs by removing the barrier of cost. Leisure and Culture was not one of the three critical domains for this group. Nevertheless, they would still benefit from action on the listed factors.

A pathway forward to wellbeing Common factors that can enhance overall wellbeing Adequate time to participate or be active in the community Number of hours sleep per day Feeling rushed Time Use Residents living with a disability or chronic illness Young residents Low income residents Common factors that can enhance wellbeing “What are some significant factors in Time Use that can enhance wellbeing for more than one of the selected groups?” Both young residents and low income residents will benefit from initiatives focused on time adequacy to participate or be active in the community, and encouraging residents to increase their number of hours of sleep per day. Time use was not one of the three critical domains for this group. Nevertheless, they would still benefit from action on the listed factors.

Common factors that could reduce the impact of social isolation
A pathway forward to wellbeing Common factors that could reduce the impact of social isolation Sense of belonging to community Perceived time adequacy to participate in community Opportunities to take courses of interest Adequacy of child care services Recreation/cultural facilities are welcoming Socialising with friends Needs fulfillment Access to health care services Places to take courses of interest Recreation/cultural facilities are easy to get to Factors that buffer social isolation Residents living with a disability or chronic illness Young residents Low income residents Common factors that could reduce the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing “What are potential factors perceived to buffer the impact of social isolation on overall wellbeing for more than one of the selected groups?” Both young residents and low income residents experiencing high levels of social isolation will benefit from initiatives focused on increasing time adequacy to participate or be active in the community, increasing their sense of belonging to community, and ensuring that recreation and cultural facilities are welcoming.

“… place wellbeing at the centre of policy development.”
For positive social change… @ciwnetwork #wellbeing Canadian Index of Wellbeing University of Waterloo “… place wellbeing at the centre of policy development.”

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