Tips for Combating Senior Loneliness
Simple Ideas for Social Connection in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
The Impact of Adult Loneliness
Did you know nearly half of Americans report feelings of loneliness? According to Psychology Today, loneliness is linked to serious health issues like hypertension, coronary heart disease, depression, and dementia, and can increase the risk of premature mortality by 65%, putting seniors especially in danger.
Therefore, maintaining social activity in our elder years is crucial for good health, as also emphasized by The Alzheimer's Society of Canada.
Pathways to Connection
Loneliness can arise from various circumstances, such as relocating, losing a spouse, caregiver burnout, health issues, or feelings of shyness or insecurity. Unlike in childhood when making friends was simple, forming adult connections can be challenging for these reasons and more.
The good news is, there are many avenues by which connections can be made in St. Albert, Alberta! Here are just a few.
Facebook Groups
Facebook serves as an excellent platform for connecting with others. While you might find a "”penpal," it's best to focus on local Facebook Groups that encourage in-person meetups like classes, events, and social coffee groups. Always exercise caution by safeguarding your personal information.
Seniors Centres
Most communities feature a seniors centre, like the St. Albert Seniors Association, which serves as a hub for activities and resources tailored for older adults.These centres typically have a bistro offering coffee and snacks, and sometimes full meals. Volunteers passionate about supporting seniors provide various resources, lead exercise classes, facilitate book clubs, organize field trips, and even arrange learning programs on topics like computers or crafting. If you don't see something of interest, consider suggesting it to the staff; they can help connect you with like-minded, and like-abled, individuals, making it easier to relate to one another.
Libraries
Local libraries offer a wealth of resources, including books in various formats, videos, and classes on diverse topics. At the St. Albert Public Library, no library card is needed to register for adult programs. They host various book clubs, writing consultations with a Writer in Residence, author talks featuring specific authors, and tech talks available both in-person and as videos. Additionally, there are regular groups for knitting, friendship-building among men, writing, games like Scrabble or cribbage, gardening, and more.
Support Groups
Aging often brings challenges such as health issues, grief and bereavement, past regrets, and family difficulties. Connecting with others who have faced similar experiences is an effective way to meet like-minded individuals while gaining information and coping strategies.
The internet can be a valuable resource for finding organizations that offer support groups in your area, or virtually. If you have difficulty accessing online resources and lack support from friends or family members, patient advocacy groups like PatientAdvocates.ca, serving St. Albert and beyond, or your local seniors centre or library may assist you.
Recreation Centres
In St. Albert, the Servus Credit Union Place, commonly known as Servus Place, offers a wide range of recreation facilities, and exercise classes suitable for all age groups, including seniors and developmentally delayed adults. Daily access costs approximately $10.00, with discounts available for seniors, and options for monthly or yearly memberships.
St. Albert Further Education
St. Albert Further Education offers courses for seniors at various locations across the city. These courses cover topics in art, education, business, and general interest areas such as thrifting, Cree language, smartphone usage, senior travel, and expanding computer skills. They also provide classes focused on health and wellness.
St. Albert Festivals and Events
The Arden Theatre hosts numerous annual events in St. Albert, including Rock’n August, which features a parade of restored and unique cars along with an evening of music and camaraderie. Other notable events include the St. Albert Snowflake Festival in November, the Family Day Fire and Ice Festival, the St. Albert Outdoor Farmers Market and the Mayor's Art Walk in May. Learn all about these events and more here.
Finding Your Passion
Finding activities that interest you can be overwhelming at times. You may start a hobby or class only to discover it isn't for you. Don't be discouraged! Keep exploring hobbies and social opportunities that excite you about life again. Here are some activities to explore.
Fitness and Wellness
Hiking
Cross-Country Skiing
Pilates
Yoga
Walking Clubs
Sit and Be Fit
Aquacise
Tai Chi
Meditation
Dance (including Zumba)
Spine Health Classes
Clogging
Drumming Exercise Classes
Strength and Flexibility Training
Games
Billiards/Snooker
Cribbage
Bridge
Scrabble
Bingo
MahJong
Board Games (Backgammon, Cornhole, Canasta, Euchre)
Sports
Golden Gloves Boxing
Floor Curling
Pickleball
Swimming
Basketball
Ice Skating
Seniors Hockey
Hobbies
Knitting and Crocheting
Reading and Puzzling
Woodworking and Knife Sharpening
Music (Singing in Choirs or Singalongs)
Gardening
Photography
Travel
Film/International film
Learning Opportunities
Language Classes
DIY Projects and Crafts
Finance and Technology Courses
Writing Workshops and Academic Courses
Alternative Therapies
Playing Instruments (Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Violin)
Arts & Crafts
Wreath Making
Pottery
Ceramic Painting
Various Painting Techniques (Watercolors, Acrylics)
Clothing Design, Fashion + Sewing
Events
Enjoy a variety of live local performances across all genres of music, theatre, comedy, and dance.
Identifying your interests is the first step—consider what activities you would enjoy if you had the opportunity. If you're open to venturing into Edmonton, even more options await. The possibilities are endless.
Local Support for Seniors & Caregivers
If you or someone you love is socially isolated due to caregiving responsibilities, there are resources available in St. Albert for respite care that allows one to pursue outside interests.
For assistance in finding resources for combating loneliness, or finding caregiver respite, please learn more about PatientAdvocates.ca, locally serving St. Albert and beyond.
Our goal is to empower all to achieve the best possible quality of life, both mentally and physically. Please reach out for a free consultation - we’re here to help.
