Senior isolation at a seasonal high
COVID-19 has been tough on seniors dealing with isolation and now with the cold weather and the snow settling in, it's going to be downright difficult for those grappling with being alone.
Parkside Centre for Seniors manager John Richer said it's something that needs to be taken seriously.
"It's a very serious issue, you know the impacts it has on people's health, physical and mental well being are very serious and it does speed up the decline in people, as well," said Richer.
Richer said they've been talking about senior isolation since he started at the facility more than 17 years ago.
They're currently working with Home Instead's 'Be a Santa to a Senior' program in hopes of ensuring no one is forgotten about this Holiday season.
"There are still a lot of people who aren't comfortable going back out into the community yet so we're still trying hard to reach those people with our Parkside Centre without Walls," he said.
Another group working to combat senior isolation is Meals On Wheels Sudbury, whose volunteers work to make sure everyone gets a warm meal.
"Maybe they've been vaccinated, maybe they haven't but they still need to stay at home, they're still feeling alone," said executive director Shannon Ketchabaw. "The idea of getting a hug from somebody isn't even happening for them. Yes, with family, but family isn't always there."
Advocates are hoping people will look out for each other this Holiday season and keep an eye on your neighbours.
"Cause seniors, like everyone else, are all social beings, even that contact by telephone, if it's possible occasionally to have a visit from someone, perhaps a relative or someone that's concerned, to spend that little bit of time because that is important," said Friendly to Seniors president John Lindsay.
A federal report found social isolation can lead to depression, loneliness, alcoholism and social anxiety.
It also found socially isolated seniors are more at risk of negative health behaviours like drinking, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.
Be a Santa to a Senior runs until Dec. 10.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.