Grant: Summer Program in Aging

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly becoming major public health concerns among older adults in Canada and globally. In a recent, nationally representative survey, approximately one in 10 Canadians aged 55 years and older reported always or often feeling lonely. Recent studies suggest that features of the built environment, such as access to green space in cities, may be associated with reduced loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Additional evidence suggests that cold spells, heat waves, and extreme precipitation can lead to loneliness and social isolation. Access to public transit may modify this association, given that mobility limitations prevent older adults from accessing the environment. Few studies have investigated the effect of the weather on loneliness and social isolation over time. My research aims to address this knowledge gap by estimating the longitudinal effect of extreme weather on the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in middle-aged and older adults in Canada. Additionally, I will assess whether mode of transportation, sex, gender, marital status, and household income may change this effect. As the Canadian population continues to age, there is a pressing need to develop policies and interventions to prevent loneliness and social isolation among older adults. The findings from my thesis will help inform effective urban planning policies to improve the health of older adults.