November 24, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec – Employment and Social Development
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today the release of the National Seniors Council’s (NSC’s) Report on the Social Isolation of Seniors - 2013-2014, which is now available online.
The Council was tasked in August 2013 with examining the issue of social isolation. Between November 2013 and June 2014, the NSC met with some 300 individuals and organizations from across Canada as part of a series of cross-country and online consultations to assess how social isolation affects seniors and how best to tackle the issue in Canada.
Social isolation touches many aspects of seniors’ lives, such as active participation, community engagement, healthy aging, income security and caregiving needs. Social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. The lack of supportive social networks is linked to an increase in the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
The ministers recognize the importance of addressing the issue of social isolation, which affects seniors’ overall well-being and mental health. The NSC report provides a summary of the consultation findings as well as innovative and promising practices to help address this social problem.
Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
819-953-1144
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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The National Seniors Council (NSC)
The NSC advises on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from their rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population.
- The Council reports to the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, and to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Council.
- NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations that serve seniors and experts on seniors and aging.
- The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, now and in the future.
