Blog Posts: Social engagement

Retirement can be the beginning of new projects and new role, and for some this might include “social entrepreneurship”—engaging in small ventures that address real community needs while promoting social participation, providing an outlet for creativity, and generating income.

Strong relationships don’t just feel good; they’re linked with longevity and having better heart health. People with strong social ties have a 50% greater chance of living longer, while loneliness is associated with a noticeably higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Learn how stress, connection, and relationship quality all interact to affect your cardiovascular health.

Grandparenting can bring joy, purpose, as well as challenges and change. Find tips and insights on balancing involvement, independence, and wellbeing as you navigate the grandparenting journey.

Ageism doesn’t just come from others—it can take hold within ourselves as well. But one of the most effective ways to push back against ageism is also very simple: supportive and meaningful connection with others.

Your life experience can shape the future! Intergenerational mentorship programs offer older adults a powerful way to share their wisdom, forge meaningful connections, and leave a lasting legacy while enriching their own lives.

Research spotlights where home-based strategies can be effective.

Making connections! Looking at the impacts of home-based strategies for improving social connectedness and loneliness.

What do we know about the impact of eating alone or with others on health and well-being?

Age-friendly universities must adhere to 10 guiding principles which aim, among other things, at inclusion, civic participation and the personal and professional development of older learners, as well as intergenerational learning and the sharing of expertise. Let's explore the experiences of these universities and the strategies used to adopt the age-friendly principles.

Immigrant and refugee seniors are at greater risk of suffering from social isolation and loneliness than their Canadian born peers because they face unique challenges: linguistic differences, cultural barriers, racism and discrimination, limited social networks, and obstacles to social participation. Learn more about how support the social engagement of immigrant and refugee seniors.

Joy among older adults has received little attention in the scientific literature, even though it is highlighted as being important to older adults themselves in terms of health and well-being.

As society pays increasing attention to addressing bullying in schools and workplaces, bullying among seniors remains a taboo and neglected issue. Did you know that recent studies show that about 1 in 5 seniors are bullied?

Leading figures have recently called for a halt to the development of certain advanced artificial intelligence systems, in order to better manage innovation and prevent potential harms. Among potential harms, is it possible that age-related biases present in our society be encoded and amplified in artificial intelligence systems?

You do not have to go it alone! From exercise to reminiscence therapy, research illustrates there are various strategies that help to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

As part of the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are part of a global plan to create a better world for all. What lessons can we draw of the first five years of existence of the SDGs with regard to older adults?

Adjusting to a new home is not easy. Leaving your home, your memories and your habits is anxiety-provoking. Many fear having to rebuild everything elsewhere: create a new social network, develop a sense of belonging, maintain independence, find new activities. Do you believe that leisure can be a promising solution to help you adapt to a new home?

Learn about non-family intergenerational interventions and their impact on the social and mental well-being of young people and the elderly.

Many seniors suffer from physical or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or loneliness. Aging can also be accompanied by a decrease in autonomy and a sense of loss of identity. Does the ability to tell one's story in a digital format improve the well-being of older adults?

Lean on me? Research brings attention to potential strategies for reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults living in the community and long-term care settings.

It is estimated that one in four people could have hearing problems by 2050. What is known about the link between hearing loss and social isolation/loneliness among older adults?