Leeway from Lloyd: Seniors, city to combat loneliness Opinion

Combatting loneliness among seniors is an issue that we will be hearing more about soon.

A member of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society is looking for ideas from other seniors to share with the city that hopes to come up with some solutions.

As a senior myself, I think of a lot of reasons why some elderly people are feeling isolated.

For instance, not all seniors use or know how to use the Internet or their cell phones and thus miss out on electronic postings of events or sharing common interests on social media.

Many seniors also lack mobility and hence independence, so getting around town to a social event requires a bit of planning on their part.

Someone in a wheelchair can’t just go out of the door and travel on a whim to have a coffee with a friend, especially during the winter like other fully able-bodied people can.

All of their trips hav e to be planned which can add to a feeling of isolation or reliance on others.

Any senior with mobility issues is kind of ruled out from participating in many recreational activities like pickleball where they could make friends.

Not every old person wants to play cards all day either.

Seniors who have lost a spouse can definitely lose the social connections they had when they were a couple or don’t have anyone to talk to about how they feel or how to get out of their funk.

Someone who has just retired may feel lonely having been cut off from their workplace social circles. As for solutions. there could be a range of social events for seniors throughout the year, grouped by interests and abilities to participate along with transportation to take them there.

Also, a lot of seniors don’t just want to be around other seniors so some intergenerational activities or involvement with young students could be arranged. Cost is anothe r factor as some seniors are on fixed incomes and can’t pay for fees, equipment or an Internet connection, so free social events and lunches could be part of the mix.

It’s great that the city is looking at this problem but it’s up to us seniors to help each other. Got any ideas? Let the Seniors Care Society know.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER