It’s Spring, and nature is showing us its best. But everything is not perfect. It’s hard to believe that even now, when flowers are blooming, spirits are rising and love is in the air, there are many people who are lonely. That is the reality for many adults.
According to the Canadian Social Survey for the summer of 2021, more than 1 in 10 people in Canada aged 15 or older say they are always or often lonely. The number of older adults aged 65 and older is growing, and many are socially isolated and regularly feel lonely.
In the US, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine goes deeper into this issue, stating that nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated. Since many older adults live alone, have lost family or friends, or suffer from chronic illness or hearing loss, that is not surprising.
Loneliness and social isolation are related, but different. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or separated and can cause you to feel distressed and unhappy. Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly. It is a sad truth that you can live alone and not feel lonely or socially isolated, and yet you can feel lonely while being with other people.
What can cause social isolation?
There are many contributing factors to social isolation. Many things can prevent people from leaving the house and having contact with other members of society. Long-term illness, disabilities, transport issues, unemployment, economic struggles, and domestic violence all play a part in isolating people. Age is also a factor. It is an unfortunate fact that as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. While some individuals do not mind being alone, and may even relish it, older adults who live alone are more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. These have lasting repercussions, which can affect their health and well-being permanently. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, and depression,
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive.
All those factors are powerful enough to override a basic truth about people—we are social creatures, and we all need to connect with other people. And while it’s true that some people are very good at making social connections, it does not come easily to most of us. For many people, reaching out to others is difficult. Those who cannot make friends easily risk becoming socially isolated and lonely.
And yes, people do need people
In 1964, Barbra Streisand won the Grammy Award for the Best Female Pop Vocal, People who Need People, a song that expresses this sentiment far better than anything in print.
The song, from Funny Girl, was written by Henry Robert Merrill Levan, an American songwriter and screenwriter who was one of the most successful songwriters of the 1950s. Use Ctrl+Click on the link to hear Streisand’s performance of People Who Need People:
Here are some of the lyrics:
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world
We’re children, needing other children
And yet letting a grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside
Acting more like children than children
Lovers, very special people
They’re the luckiest people in the world
With one person
One very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half now you’re whole
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person who needs people
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world.
What can you do if you are experiencing loneliness?
Confide in your doctor. Doctors can assess your risk for loneliness and social isolation and get you connected to community resources which can help you.
To find out about activities and opportunities to connect with people in your community or neighbourhood, contact organizations like:
- Public libraries
- Volunteer centres
- Cultural centres
- Immigration settlement agencies
- Aboriginal Friendship Centres
- United Way offices
Below are some agencies in Canada that can help. Choose Ctrl+Click to learn more:
Canadian Association of Retired Persons
B.C. Elders Communication Centre Society
The following US national organizations also offer helpful resources:
AARP—Provides helpful information to seniors to help improve quality of life and provides access to Community Connection Tools.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)—A network of over 620 organizations across America that provides information and assistance with programs for older adults.
Eldercare Locator—A free national service that helps find local resources for seniors.
National Council on Aging—Works with nonprofit organizations, governments, and businesses to provide community programs and services for older adults.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)– Provides materials on social isolation and loneliness for older adults.
Whatever level of loneliness you are experiencing, you can rest assured that there are many services and agencies to help you!
A very helpful post, Diane. I’m alone but I don’t feel lonely – there is a distinction to be made. To supplement your links, for UK readers needing help and advice this is the best place to find it: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/loneliness/
Thank you for the link, Clive. Age UK seems to be a very helpful and positive connection. I’ll definitely visit it again for more information. I agree that being alone does not mean you must experience loneliness. As a writer, I need to be alone to get anything done. And since I love writing, being alone is not a hardship!
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