With physical distancing restrictions, older adults have become more isolated than ever from the rest of the people in their lives. Social isolation is defined as a lack of social engagement affecting the individual’s psychological, cognitive and medical health. 

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CFN Senior Services has several ways to help combat social isolation in seniors:

1. Things to help you stay active:

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• Online settlement services for senior newcomers (by phone, email, WeChat, Zoom, etc.):  Assist clients in applying for SIN, PR cards, pensions, seniors’ benefits, fair entry (seniors bus pass), GST credit, income tax, etc. Recommend the clients should give their children “Authorization of Representative” so that their children can communicate with government officers (on the phone) on their behalf them.

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• Provide info on interpretation services, such as 811 in 240 languages and 911 services in 150 languages.​

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• ​Constantly follow up with the Isolated clients by phone and email.

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2. Learn something new:

 

• Improve English: Community-Based LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) for Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin Speaking) and South Asian (Punjabi/Urdu Speakers) seniors is a new initiative at the Centre for Newcomers.

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• Participate in workshops/webinars to increase/update knowledge: Mental health (stress management), pensions & benefits, Canadian Food Guide, housing, funeral services, CLB test & LINC, banking, health benefits, personal directive, POA, how to communicate with doctors, stop Asian Hate, how to use smartphones, computers to join meetings/webinars, etc.

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• Learn new skills: Join online/in-person Peer Support Groups (Wechat & Zoom) and slideshows: Art and Photography Group, Knitting & Crochet Group, and Taste of China (cooking) group.

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• Learn new technologies: internet, Zoom, Microsoft Team, WeChat, WhatsApp, etc. with smartphones, laptops/computers, and iPads.