Older adults in Canada are experiencing loneliness at higher rates than ever before. We asked the experts at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (St. Joe’s) for tips on how they can re-engage with their community. 

“If you are in a position where you are socially isolated and both mentally and physically inactive, that’s going to take a toll on your mental health,” says Dr. Christina Gojmerac, a clinical neuropsychologist working with seniors’ mental health at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. 

Social isolation and loneliness among older Canadians is becoming an epidemic in Canada, according to a report from the National Institute on Ageing.  

It is important to engage in our social lives and community, says Dr. Jonathan Crowson, geriatric psychiatrist, and head of service for seniors mental health at St. Joe’s. 

“Social contact and activity are not only major determinants of mental health, but also of physical well-being and quality of life,” he says. 

Here are eight mental wellness strategies for older adults, their families and their support teams. 

1. Connect: Social interaction helps protect your brain from cognitive decline. Dr. Crowson encourages older adults to foster family ties, engage with their community and to expand their social circles. “Get together with family and friends, call a long-distance relative, have afternoon tea in the common room of your building or community centre, and play bingo and other games with others.” Another option is to call A Friendly Voice, a free, confidential “warm line” for adults aged 55+ to freely connect with a caring individual without expectations or judgement.  
2. Get active: Moderate exercise has mental- and physical-health-promoting benefits, and it’s an opportunity to have fun and be social. “Get back into doing whatever your exercise was,” says Dr. Crowson — whether that’s walking down the road to grab a coffee, sitting in a chair and doing exercises, or taking a fitness class. It’s easy to add a little exercise to your day. For example, when taking public transportation, take the bus an extra stop and then walk back. If you struggle walking up stairs, take the elevator one floor higher than you need and then walk down. In winter when pavements are icy, a mall can be a safer place to do your walking than outdoors. 
3. Support your memory: Learning the Ropes, a six-week program run by St. Joe’s for people with early stages of potential dementia, teaches practical strategies for improving memory. One tip is to record information you need to remember by writing it in a day planner. At home, organize your belongings; for example, always keep your keys in the same place, such as on a hook by the door. 
4. Use technology: “Support older adults in your life by helping them to use cellphones and video conferencing platforms, to share pictures, make phone calls and explore video conferencing as a way to stay connected,” says Dr. Crowson. 
5. Practice acceptance: Attitude is so important, says Dr. Gojmerac. If you can accept and adapt to your physical and mental changes, you’ll meet challenges with less resistance and feel better about them.  
6. Eat healthy food: Your brain and body need a variety of nutrients. Diets considered to be good for brain health include the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet, which are both rich in whole foods. Another good resource is Canada’s Food Guide. 
7. Talk about it: Many people grew up in a time or culture where mental health wasn’t talked about, says Dr. Crowson. He encourages family and friends to ask older adults how they are feeling. “Having that awareness and initiating conversation will be something we can all do to help seniors in our lives,” he adds. 
8. Get professional help: If you have concerns about your own mental health, or a friend’s or family member’s, contact your family doctor, and investigate programs and services such as those provided by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Seniors Mental Health Service. 
9. Address hearing loss: Hearing loss may reduce the quality of social interactions, and thereby diminish the positive impact of connecting with others. Consider having your hearing checked and, if you need it, wear a hearing aid. 

Philanthropy has been essential to enabling St. Joe’s to expand its mental health and addictions care programs, renew its treatment facilities, and fund ground-breaking health research. To make a gift to support mental health care in your community, please visit stjoesfoundation.ca/donate.