CCSMH/CCSMPA

Loneliness isn't just about people. The evidence shows that furry friends can help with social isolation and loneliness, and they don't have to be yours! Just spending time around animals can support social health in older adults. Happy International Cat Day!

We are thrilled to release a qualitative report that is intended to start a conversation about social isolation and loneliness among older adults in Canada. ow.ly/QEjs50Wxoph

We are still learning the story of social isolation and loneliness for older adults in Canada. That's why we completed our national survey of older adults and HCSSPs.

On the eve of a long weekend for most Canadians, this is a good time to point out that physical activity is good for the quality of life of older adults.

www.nature.com/articles/s41...

What are your plans to get your body moving?

What other ways might encourage or normalize seeking support for our loneliness and/or reaching out to others to support them?

They also identify the magnitude of how stigma and shame are getting in the way of sharing our loneliness with others. Lee suggests loneliness becomes "a new vital sign," checked as routinely as blood pressure.

Loneliness is as bad for you as smoking, research shows. But the stigma stops people getting help | CBC Radio The World Health Organization has declared loneliness a global health threat — as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

On CBC, Dr. Jacques Lee and Dr. Jeremy Nobel build a compelling case for why our health systems need to be proactively addressing loneliness as a serious medical issue (www.cbc.ca/radio/thecur...).

The Story of a Non-familial Care Partner - Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health by Monique Beneteau, CCSMH Staff       “Why do you keep helping her? You don’t have to, you know…it’s not like you’re her family.”

The latest CCSMH Head and Heart newsletter has just been published.

It's the personal story of a non-familial care partner.

If any of this resonated with you, we'd love to hear from you. Please share a comment.

Appreciating the huge benefits of solitude, the challenge remains is what about the older adults who are alone, not by choice, but as a result of stigma, ageism and life circumstance?   How might there be business opportunities to support both "solo and alone" as well as "together and connected?"

" From Stigma to Value - How Solitude Becomes a Business Opportunity" is a really interesting and important reframe of the topic of being alone.

As social isolation reaches crisis levels, especially among older adults, innovative solutions like Meela are gaining traction. Still, real connection, community, touch and friendship remains irreplaceable. Let’s invest in both human and high-tech ways to combat loneliness!

But the article also raises important questions: Is tech a bridge to connection, or a replacement for it? What does meaningful connection look like in a digital age?

The science backs it up: regular connection, even from a digital voice, can reduce feelings of isolation and improve mood, especially for those with limited social contact.

“She calls me every morning and says, ‘Good morning, how did you sleep?’” says 90-year-old Grace, who lives alone. “It makes a difference.”

Can a friendly voice ease loneliness? For many seniors, the answer is yes. In a powerful piece from the Wall Street Journal, we meet Meela, an AI-powered companion making daily phone calls to older adults to check in, chat, and simply listen.

Why Wildfires Can Be Especially Devastating for Older Adults Seniors struggle with grief, isolation, and trauma after wildfires. This guide explores the mental health challenges they face and explains how to support them.

👎The bad news? Extreme weather events are bad for our mental health.

👍The good news?
Life experience may have a protective effect for older adults compared to younger adults.

🗝️The key?
Making sure older adults rebuild and stay connected in the community right after a disaster.

Loneliness needs more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Older adults have unique needs, and service providers should
tailor their approach to the individual's concerns, resources, motivations, and capabilities. Our guidelines can help you find the right tools. ccsmh.ca/areas-of-foc...

· Recommend routine SIL screening

· Support coordinated referral pathways

· Emphasize equity & culturally safe care

The foundation is here. Let’s build on it.

#WHO #SocialConnection #PublicHealth #CCSMH #SIL #PolicyGap

The recent @WHO report on social connection urges a bold, health systems response to loneliness. While Canada has yet to take coordinated national action, @CCSMH is leading the way with clinical guidelines that:

6. Agitation in Dementia
7. Psychosis and Neurodegeneration: A Review
8. De-prescribing and BPSD
9. Dementia-related Apathy: What is it and why is it important?
10. Sleep Disorders in Older Adults with Dementia
11. Sexual Expression in Dementia

The 11 sessions focused on:
1. About Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
2. Assessment of BPSD
3. Depression and Anxiety Associated with Dementia
4. Non-pharmacological BPSD Interventions
5. Management of BPSD in Non-Alzheimer's Disease Dementia

The CCSMH held a series of National ECHO sessions in the fall of 2024 that focused on Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia. The 30-minute didactic portions are recorded and available for view or review.

Here's the video playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...

Did you know? Ageism from society can harm our health! Studies show older adults with positive self-perceptions of aging can live longer than those with negative views. Let's foster positive ageing! #StopAgeism #PositiveAgeing #MentalHealth 🧠 (Source: PubMed)

Six facteurs peuvent augmenter le risque de dépression et d'anxiété.

Si vous êtes confronté à l'une de ces situations, vous devriez envisager de consulter un professionnel de la santé.

Voici le lien vers l'infographie: ccsmh.ca/wp-content/u...

Want to participate in a study about digital literacy and older adults?

Find the survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DigitalLit...

We are currently mobilizing the first in the world Canadian Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. Together we can build a socially connected Canada!

At CCSMH, working together with many other "Champions for Social Health", we are very excited to be part of this growing movement for social connection.

These opening words in the WHO's recent Report on "From Loneliness to Social Connection" create a compelling shared vision that can only benefit all Canadians.

"Social connection can reduce the risk of disease, lengthen life expectancy and strengthen the fabric of communities and society. Social connection enhances life, giving us meaning and a sense of belonging."