With August now underway, many families across Canada are gearing up for back-to-school season. We’re in the midst of a focus shift to school supplies, new routines and the hustle and bustle of busy schedules. Naturally, this time of year brings excitement for many. However, it can also mark a period of increased loneliness and isolation for older adults. This is particularly true for seniors who live alone or rely on regular family visits for social connection.
Back to school season can deeply impact the emotional well-being of seniors in Calgary and surrounding communities. That’s why it’s important to shine a light on how this busy time can affect our older loved ones and what we can do to support them.
Decreased family time.
As you know, when children return to school and parents become busier with work and extracurricular obligations, the time available to visit or call older relatives can shrink. This sudden change in interaction can feel abrupt for seniors, especially after enjoying more family connection during summer breaks. Not to mention, back to school season can bring changes in meal times, transportation schedules or shared household routines. This can all be disorienting or upsetting.
“Research shows that an estimated 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated,” reports the National Initiative for Care of the Elderly (NICE), “Nearly 25% of seniors reported barriers to social participation and loneliness.”
Fewer outdoor interactions.
Ever since we were little, we have been told about the benefits of getting fresh air and sunshine. But when the weather cools down, we generally spend more time inside. This often goes double for seniors who don’t have their grandchildren to watch or play with while they’re at school during the fall months. Back to school season is known for reducing their opportunities for such social engagement.
The importance of seniors engaging in outdoor activities should not be underestimated. “Research consistently underscores the positive impact of exposure to natural environments, such as parks and green spaces, on seniors’ health,” notes Victoria Lifeline, “Outdoor activities promote physical activity and exercise, contributing to improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. It aids in lowering blood pressure, reducing stress levels, and fostering overall cardiovascular fitness.”
The pains of memory lane.
The back to school season may also stir up some hard-to-contend-with emotions. For many older adults, memories of this time of year can invoke thoughts of past routines with a spouse. These can be bittersweet or even painful for some seniors. For widowed or empty-nest seniors, these memories can heighten feelings of loss and loneliness.
This aspect of the season shouldn’t be taken lightly. Statistics Canada reveals that “over half of the widows (58.5%) in Canada were aged 75 and older in 2022, with the largest share aged 75 to 79 (344,220 people) and 80 to 84 (331,081).”
Contact Senior Homecare by Angels for assistance.
Our team would be very happy to help your elderly loved ones contend with the challenges presented by back to school season. We offer one-on-one Companion and Personal Care that focuses on providing joyful companionship and engaging conversations with our clients. Our “Angels” have many years of experience offering older adults the ability to enjoy happier and more fulfilling days.
We are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-862-0129 or if outside of Calgary, toll-free at 1-877-209-6142. You may also visit our Contact Us page to complete and submit a simple contact form!