Baycrest

BrainMatters •Fall/Winter 2023 • 19 In early May 2023, the Surgeon General of the United States released a report calling for a national strategy to advance social connection. One of the six pillars of this strategy is to mobilize the health sector. In response to these serious concerns, the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH) is currently completing clinical practice guidelines to encourage and support best practices related to social isolation and loneliness among older adults. The Baycrest Academy for Research and Education's Executive Vice-President of Education, Dr. David Conn, co- chairs the CCSMH. While social isolation and feelings of loneliness are common across all age groups, older adults are particularly at risk due to the life circumstances and transitions often associated with aging, like retirement, living alone, being bereaved or living with physical limitations. In fact, nearly one in five Canadians 65 years and older say they lack companionship. However, loneliness is not an intrinsic aspect of growing older. TARGETED INTERVENTIONS SHOULD BE PUT IN PLACE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS Addressing the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness among older adults requires a comprehensive approach that involves the older adults themselves, healthcare providers, community organizations and policymakers. In this way, targeted interventions can be put in place to address underlying physical or mental health conditions, promote social connections and improve overall well-being. Communication between older adults and their healthcare providers is vital in addressing loneliness. By discussing this issue, older adults can take the first steps towards finding solutions and clinicians can provide guidance, support and access to resources. Healthcare providers have a key role to play in the improvement of quality of life and the prevention of illness in later life. If given the time and resources, healthcare practitioners can support older adults to make behavioural and lifestyle changes that could reduce or prevent isolation and feelings of loneliness. This, in turn, would reduce the likelihood of a number of illnesses in the future. Through early intervention, screenings, thorough assessments and collaboration, they can empower older adults to work towards a healthier today and tomorrow. Isolation and loneliness are known to erode an individual's sense of purpose, diminish self-esteem and reduce the ability to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours. If given the time and resources, healthcare practitioners can support older adults to make behavioural and lifestyle changes that could reduce or prevent isolation and feelings of loneliness.

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