Aging Gracefully: The Social Aspects of Aging
Q&A with Dr. Andrew Wister
Dr. Andrew Wister is chair and professor of the Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University. He is a CLSA researcher and the Chair of the National Seniors Council (NSC).The NSC is currently engaging in a national consultation on social isolation among seniors.
What do you hope to learn about the social aspects of aging from the CLSA?
The CLSA is collecting information about social aspects of aging that change as we age, such as marital status, living arrangements, social support networks, caregiving and receiving, labour force status and retirement, as well as several quality of life indicators. When combined with health and illness information, we will be able to expand our knowledge of the factors (such as frailty) that lead one to be socially isolated, as well as the impact of social isolation on quality of life of seniors. We need good research to fully understand why it happens and how best to solve it when it occurs.
How important is social engagement as we age?
Social engagement, defined simply as maintaining high quality social relationships, is vital to fostering a healthy lifestyle as we age, feeling connected and a sense of belonging, being motivated to participate in physical activity and to eat well, and to feel empowered to give back to younger generations and society.
In 2010, a National Seniors Council report found that older adults – and society in general – benefit from active aging. For seniors, an active lifestyle can prolong independence, extend participation in the community and society, and help manage chronic illness and prevent poor health. For example, an active mind may help ward off memory loss and enhance mental well-being, thus preventing the onset of illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
What are the impacts of social isolation?
Social isolation can lead one to feel depressed and cut off from society, to feel high levels of stress and anxiety, and may weaken the resilience that people require to cope with normal aspects of aging. This might range from simple day-to-day activities that are necessary for people to care for themselves to seeking professional medical care when necessary. Everyone has felt isolated at some time in their lives, but it is chronic isolation that can result in the most serious consequences.
What can people do to maintain strong social networks as they age?
One of the most important things people can do is to invest into their social relationships when they are younger, and maintain them as they age. Engaging in one's community by keeping active, whether that is through helping a neighbour, volunteering, or joining a seniors centre or organization, is fundamental to maintaining a strong network and reducing the possibility of chronic social isolation.
A 2010 National Seniors Council report, which focused on volunteering among seniors and positive and active aging, found that community connectedness achieved from volunteering could deepen social networks, improve access to information and support, and reduce the likelihood of social isolation.
Not everyone can remain embedded in a strong social network due to unexpected experiences; therefore, we need to encourage community connectedness and support programs that improve social isolation when it does occur. Sometimes it only takes one person to make a difference in another person's life when they are feeling that they have no one to turn to for help.
What is the role of the National Seniors Council in addressing social isolation among seniors?
The mandate of the National Seniors Council (NSC) is to advise the federal Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada and the Minister of Health, and to liaise with the Minister of State (Seniors) on matters related to seniors in Canada. As directed by Ministers, the NSC engages in comprehensive consultation processes to identify current and emerging issues affecting the lives of seniors and to suggest measures for federal consideration to ameliorate these problems where appropriate. Since last fall, the NSC has conducted six regional roundtables, numerous bilateral meetings, and conducted an online consultation with stakeholders representing hundreds of seniors, community groups, NGOs, health authorities, researchers, and other groups committed to reducing social isolation among seniors. This will result in a final report on social isolation issues containing advice and proposed measures that will be presented to Ministers.
Are there any resources that can help seniors to stay engaged?
Given that social engagement/isolation has multiple causes and consequences, we require a multi-pronged approach. There are many information and program/service community resources available to people, but the problem is often that those who are socially isolated are the least likely to know about them. While many resources are found at the community and local level, the National Seniors Council is working with the federal government to raise the profile of social isolation and to work towards changes that will reduce its impact on older Canadians of today and tomorrow. The seniors.gc.ca website is an example of such efforts. The website, including the “Information for Seniors” and “Information for Caregivers” sections, provides information about relevant programs, services and benefits for seniors and their caregivers.