Research summary: Seniors’ Loneliness in Canada

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Why this study

Loneliness is a feeling that can be observed throughout life. It is associated with the perception of the ability of those around an individual to provide needed support. In Canada, loneliness is among the indicators of the Quality of Life Framework.

Studies have demonstrated the negative effects that loneliness can have on the health and well-being of older adults. For example, it can increase the risk of an accelerated decline in physical and mental health, as well as premature death.

In Canada, loneliness has been studied mainly by dividing the population into those who are alone and those who are not. This greatly limits knowledge about the different profiles of people reporting loneliness.

The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the different profiles of loneliness among the elderly in Canada, and to explore some of the factors associated with greater loneliness.

What we did

We used data from the 2019-2020 Canadian Health Survey on Seniors.

We grouped individuals aged 65 and older based on their responses to the questions related to loneliness:

• feeling left out
• feeling isolated from others, and
• feeling that companionship is lacking

To identify characteristics associated with greater loneliness, we conducted a multivariate analysis.

We focused in particular on the relationship between the level of perceived loneliness and

• health status
• autonomy
• sense of belonging to the local community and
• unmet needs for social participation

Since the data were collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examined whether the loneliness profile varied according to the observation period (pre-pandemic and during the pandemic).

What we found

Our results showed that five loneliness groups could be identified in 2019-2020.

These groups ranged from the low loneliness group or "not lonely" to the high loneliness group or "often feeling all three indicators of loneliness: lacking companionship, feeling kept away, and feeling isolated from others."

The size of the loneliness groups decreased as the level of loneliness increased:

• 65% of older adults were in the low loneliness group
• 3% were among those who experienced the highest levels of loneliness

Compared to men, women were at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness, regardless of their age:

• they were twice as likely to be part of the group experiencing the highest levels of loneliness
• they were 14% less likely to be in the low loneliness group
• this female disadvantage persisted with age

The analysis of factors associated with the perceived level of loneliness revealed that:

• physical and mental health issues increase the risk of higher loneliness
• the risk of high loneliness increases significantly among people who report feeling a low sense of belonging to their community
• individuals who indicate that they want to participate more in social activities than they did at the time of the survey were also more likely to experience high levels of loneliness
• individuals who participated in the survey during the public health measures of the COVD-19 pandemic were more likely to belong to the group experiencing the highest level of loneliness

What it means

Although the majority of older adults in Canada reported feeling no or very little loneliness, this was not the case for 35% of them. Among these individuals, loneliness was felt at different degrees. Our study identified five profiles of loneliness.

Feelings of loneliness among older adults can be mitigated, thereby reducing their negative impact on well-being.

To do so, our results suggest focusing on developing social activities that emphasize accessibility and a sense of belonging to the local community.

The benefits of such initiatives would stem from an increase in older adults' social relationships and the expansion of their informal support networks. This finding appears to be consistent with various studies.

Contact us

Strategic and Service Policy Branch, Social Policy Directorate, Social Research Division

Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca