Social isolation and loneliness can be addressed
There are specific actions we can take to enhance inclusion and well-being
The deaths in Montreal during the July heat wave should give us pause to think about social isolation and its impact on health and well-being. Almost all the people who died in Quebec were older and living alone. From previous research in the United States, we can likely assume that the people who died also had weak ties with family and community.
When people have strong connections to their neighbours and involvement with extended family, they are less likely to be isolated and lonely. People with engaged networks will have friends and family who are aware of their living situation. When people care for us, they will also look out for our well-being and willingly help when needed.
The reality, of course, is that many people have limited networks and few connections, and they do not feel a sense of belonging to their community. There is now a huge amount of research showing that social isolation and loneliness are bad for our health and well-being, including significantly reduced lifespan.
The 2016 census indicated that 32 per cent of Canadians feel a weak or very weak sense of belonging to their local community. The Vital Signs Report in Waterloo Region showed similar results, with three groups feeling a more limited sense of belonging. These groups were youth between ages 20 and 34, immigrants, and LGBTQ+. Other research shows that frail older adults and people with disabilities often experience social isolation and loneliness.
We can speculate why people feel disconnected from their communities or experience loneliness and social isolation. The 2016 census found that 28.2 per cent of Canadians live alone, a dramatic change from the 1960s when only six per cent lived alone. People are living longer today and, as a result, there are thousands of single older people who live by themselves. Until recently, our community leaders have not made strong neighbourhoods an important issue, so that many people do not know their neighbours and are not engaged in neighbourhood issues. Breakdown in the family and divorce have also been identified as causes of social isolation. The former Surgeon-General of the United States says that social isolation is pervasive and reflects fragmented communities and stressful workplaces. Finally, some critics have blamed technology for the increase in loneliness. Although we are more connected via social media, personal connections and conversations have become more limited. We also know that there are systemic barriers to community participation for racialized minorities.
Loneliness and social isolation need to be addressed at the policy level as well as at local and personal levels. At the policy level, the United Kingdom is the most interesting example, where a Ministry of Loneliness has been established. Although it may seem odd to have government addressing this issue, it has certainly focused attention in the U.K. on the nine million citizens who report they often or always feel lonely. Governments can support social inclusion and connections by shifting funding to programs and supports that nurture belonging and community participation. Too many social service programs in the U.K. and Canada simply provide a service without any attention being paid to the potential of people’s relationships or connections in the community. Policy designed to reduce social isolation could also target specific groups that need facilitators, navigators, or peers to assist with network development and community connections.
In Waterloo Region, Wellbeing Waterloo has identified social inclusion as a key area designed to address social isolation and community belonging. This could be a very important initiative to reduce loneliness. One idea that has had some success elsewhere is to develop a campaign for neighbourhoods, schools, and businesses that would create awareness and a dialogue about social isolation and the importance of belonging for everyone. As the U.K. is finding, social inclusion can be enhanced when local communities have conversations on how people can become more engaged in their community. Sharing stories about welcoming spaces and places can also be part of a regionwide campaign.
There are also specific local actions that might enhance inclusion and well-being. Some of these actions will need to focus on neighbourhoods, where residents connecting with each other can make a significant impact on feelings of belonging. Neighbourhood associations can play a role here, but so can each of us who care about our neighbourhood and its wellbeing. Lessons from community developers might also be considered. Their strategies include the identification of the strengths of each neighbour and then nurturing connections around those strengths. Also, finding out what is of concern in the neighbourhood and bringing people together to work together on that issue can often enhance a sense of belonging. For more vulnerable citizens, the development of support circles has been shown to very positive. We also know that even walking in your neighbourhood is good for you.
Reducing loneliness and social isolation is a public health issue. Research shows that people with strong relationships and engaged networks are healthier and happier. Our community has shown leadership on some areas of social inclusion. It is time now to be intentional about reducing social isolation and enhancing belonging for all.