Nearly one in four seniors reported barriers to social participation in 2019 and 2020, meaning they wanted to participate more in social, recreational or group activities (Statistics Canada, 2023).

Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity (CDC, 2021).

About 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated. According: “The number one emerging issue facing seniors in Canada is keeping older people socially connected and active" (International Generation on Ageing).