Connection in Action Overview
Connection in Action aims to increase social connectedness among older adults in Halton. We do this by sharing information about existing social opportunities offered by existing non-profit organizations and community-based groups that can help increase social connections, social activities, and friendships.
View a listing of services by clicking on the “Resources” page or click here.
Connection in Action also supports communities across Halton by increasing awareness of issues impacting older adults. Through our LITE Education, we provide service providers, community groups, volunteers, community members, and older adults with information, tools, and resources to better support older adults by using age-friendly practices.
Goals of Connection in Action
The goal of Connection in Action is to reduce social isolation and increase social connectedness among adults aged 55 and older who live in Halton. Reducing social isolation among older adults was identified as a key priority through community consultations held in 2016 by Halton’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
Connection in Action is advised by Halton’s Older Adult Isolation Action Table and is supported by Halton’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
Why is the focus on older adults 55+, rather than 65+?
Reaching out to adults aged 55+ is a proactive and preventive approach to social isolation. Research suggests that the risk factors leading to social isolation and loneliness increase as people age, making them more vulnerable to negative health outcomes. The earlier that older adults become aware of social connection opportunities, there is a higher likelihood of preventing and reducing the negative impacts of isolation and loneliness. We aim to encourage older adults to remain socially connected and participate in community life to help improve overall health and well-being.
History of Connection in Action
Connection in Action was established in March of 2020, just before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The pandemic impacted all of us in countless ways. Specifically for the older adult population in Canada, reports of loneliness increased by 67% from 2015 to 2020 for women aged 65 to 74, and by 37% for women aged 75 to 84. Reports of loneliness also increased for men aged 65 to 74 by 45%, and by 33% for those aged 75 to 84. (Source: Social Isolation Among Older Adults During the Pandemic) Connection in Action’s goal to increase social connectedness for older adults has become increasingly more important.
We acknowledge that everyone’s needs are not the same. Older adults are a group of individuals, each with their own intersecting identities and circumstances. Some intersections can make certain groups vulnerable to experiencing a lack of social connectedness.
Older adults who belonged to any of the following sub-populations are more vulnerable to experiencing social isolation, which increased as a result of the pandemic, as identified by the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Forum of Ministers Responsible for Seniors: (Source: Social Isolation Among Older Adults During the Pandemic)
- rural, remote, and Northern communities;
- 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer);
- racialized and immigrant older adults;
- Indigenous peoples;
- people living with dementia;
- caregivers;
- and low-income older adults.
Connection in Action Timeline
2016
Partnership between Halton Region and Halton Region Police Services
2017
Community Safety and Well-Being Plan established
2018
Halton’s Older Adult Isolation Action Table established
2020
Connection in Action was launched in March
Halton’s Older Adult Isolation Action Table
The Older Adult Isolation Action Table was established in 2018. This Action Table brings together over 20 cross-sector partners and older adults to work towards increasing social connections for older adults. This led to the creation of the Connection in Action initiative in 2020.
With a primary focus on system navigation and community mobilization, the Older Adult Isolation Action Table key objectives are:
- Reduce isolation among older adults aged 55 and older;
- Support older adults at-risk of isolation through proactive approaches that prevent the likelihood of becoming isolated in the first place (via our Connection Specialist);
- Identify and understand the local root social causes and system issues that contribute to isolation among older adults in Halton;
- Enhance the community’s understanding of the scope and nature of older adult isolation in Halton through our Loneliness, Isolation to Empowerment (LITE) Education, a 3-hour education session designed to build the community’s capacity to identify, reach, and connect with older adults;
- Further develop partnerships among Action Table members and organizations.
Contact us by email to learn more about Connection in Action and Halton’s Older Adult Isolation Action Table.
Email: Hello@ConnectionInAction.ca
Halton’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
The Older Adult Isolation Action Table is part of Halton’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. The Plan was developed in partnership between Halton Region and the Halton Regional Police Service as part of a shared commitment to be the safest and healthiest region in Canada.
Halton’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan was introduced in 2017 and sets out how the Region works with community partners to improve the safety, health and well-being of Halton residents. Increasing social connections among older adults is one priority area within the Plan.