As we age, our social connections may decrease. Depending on a number of risk factors, our sense of isolation or loneliness can increase. Not only can social isolation lead to feeling lonely, but it can have a negative impact on our overall health and well-being.

Knowing if you are experiencing risk factors may help you identify the need to increase your social connections. Review our Social Isolation and Loneliness Scale and Checklist below.

Category	Risk Factors	Protective Factors
Personal	80 years of age or older Living alone Being a woman, as women are more likely to live longer and live alone Being First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Being 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Non-binary and/or other sexual orientations and gender identities) Have financial limitations or barriers	Sufficient income Adequate housing Having higher levels of education Joining groups with similar identities and experiences
Social	Reduced social networks including family and friends (I do not have family or friends living close by) Being a caregiver Experience discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity Cultural and/or religious barriers and limitations (People don’t understand my culture/religion) English is not my first language Experiencing elder abuse	Having personal relationships and social support networks Feeling connected to and valued by others Maintaining meaningful roles in society (for example: volunteering or being a part of a group or club.) Knowing about elder abuse prevention Participating in cultural groups and events Participating in faith-based groups
Physical Health	Vision decline or loss Hearing decline or loss Chronic conditions Compromised health status Challenges with mobility New physical challenges Incontinence Challenges leaving the home	Good health Attending regular medical appointments Accessing in-home support services Using a medical alert device Using an assistive device (for example: hearing aids, cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.) Attending exercise classes
Psychological Health	Experiencing challenges with mental health New or existing anxiety New or existing depression Low self-esteem Sensory impairment Cognitive challenges Dementia Intellectual challenges Substance use	Set up regular calls or visits with a friend Accessing mental health services (for example: one-on- one counselling, group therapy, etc.) Knowing the phone numbers for crisis and distress hotlines Participating in programs like friendly visiting and telephone check-ins
Life Transitions	Retirement Death of a spouse or loved one Becoming a caregiver or no longer caring for someone Moving to a new home or change in living situation Loss of driver’s license New to the country as an immigrant or refugee Other	Having personal relationships and social support networks Participating in social programs like friendly visiting and telephone check-ins Accessing settlement services Learning about community groups and services in your area End of life planning
Environment	Living in a rural or remote area Not feeling safe in your home or neighbourhood Lack of affordable and/or accessible housing Limited or no access to transportation Having limited awareness of community supports Limited or no access to internet and technology	Knowledge of resources and services Participating in programs like friendly visiting and telephone check-ins Access to and knowledge of using technology to stay connected Feeling safe in your neighbourhood Communicating your needs to family, friends, and other social support networks Access to health services Sufficient income Adequate housing Access to transportation

If you think you are at risk of social isolation and loneliness, there are a number of supports you can access. Our Connection Specialist can assist you by sharing information and resources and by connecting you with services and programs that can help increase your social connections and sense of community-belonging.

Contact us if you would like to increase your social connections.