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?

As a response to global population ageing and rapid urbanisation, the 'age-friendly community' movement focuses on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older adults in community life and promotes healthy and active ageing.

Some of us give spontaneously to organizations that are important to us. Others take a more analytical approach to identify organizations that are using effective interventions (based on the best available evidence) to maximize the impact of their donations. This analytical approach is called "effective altruism".

The feeling of attachment to a place is a universal feeling that responds to human needs. This feeling is increasingly important as you age, as it plays a role in maintaining a positive self-identity. But what does "place attachment" mean for older adults?

The prevailing discourse on climate change sometimes pit generations against each other or place blame on certain generations over others. But evidence shows the importance of intergenerational relations and solidarity to face this pressing societal challenge.

In Canada, nearly 25% of those sleeping in homeless shelters are 50 years of age or older. And this phenomenon is accelerating...

Do you remember the first look or kiss you shared with your significant other? Co-reminiscence about early relationship development can boost feelings of closeness and support for older couples.

Public art leaves few people completely indifferent. It can move, amuse, make people think, confuse, cringe, and sometimes even shock. But what does research tell us about the effects of public art on cities, places and people's lives?

Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disease. People with Parkinson's disease not only have to live with complex symptoms, but also must face stigma that can become internalized.

Many retirees are wondering how they will spend their free time and, more importantly, how to age while remaining active and healthy for as long as possible. Could volunteering your time, enthusiasm and knowledge improve your health and well-being?

Being prescribed a forest bath, a yoga class, or a cooking class? Social prescribing recognizes that people's health and well-being are primarily determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors.

Although no robust systematic review could be identified about zoom fatigue among older adults and the general population, experts have raised a red flag. The overuse of virtual communication platforms could lead to cognitive distortions and non-verbal overload inherent in video communication. This could even increase feelings of isolation and anxiety.

The way we look for our soul mate has evolved in the last few years at the same pace as technology. Several platforms to find love have been created. The same is true for other stages of a couple's life cycle: whether it is to maintain a relationship or to regain autonomy after the dissolution of a couple.

"Man's best friend" is a common phrase referring to the close relationship of loyalty and friendship between dogs and humans. The physical and psychological health benefits of owning a dog appear to be numerous. But does owning a dog lead to a longer, healthier life?

The holistic approach of Indigenous cultures carries meaning and hope: through its contribution to intergenerational solidarity, the social engagement of Indigenous elders can help meet health and wellness needs.

Stereotypes, prejudices or discrimination against a person because of their age are common. By fighting ageism, we can empower and motivate older adults to achieve new things, but also to live life to the fullest.

Dancing, aerobic, weight training, Nordic walking, aqua-fitness classes… We all know the benefits of physical activity for improving our cardiorespiratory capacities or increasing our muscle mass. But did you know that physical activity could also have beneficial effects on your social health?

Do you suffer from depression, social isolation or chronic conditions? Wondering how to get through the winter, confined in your home because of COVID-19? Could writing help you get out of the winter gloom, or even improve your physical and mental health?

We have all seen images on TV, the internet and in the newspapers of entire shelves in grocery stores and other retail stores emptied from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But why do people experience this shopping fever during crises?

In recent months, voices have been raised calling for a national strategy to support mass grieving and bereavement during the current and future pandemics. But what programs and services could be put in place to support those who must cope with the loss of a loved one during pandemics?

In Canada 1.1 million older adults use assistive technology to compensate for physical or cognitive limitations. However, despite the potential benefits of these technologies, some older adults remain reluctant to use them. What can explain this reluctance?

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted individual and societal experiences of end of life care, grief and bereavement due to public-health measures to counter the spread of the virus. Alternative or virtual ways must be found to honor the memory of our loved ones and provide comfort to their close friends and families.

There has been a strong trend towards stigmatization of older adults and intergenerational divisions since the beginning of the pandemic. You can do your part to fight social stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this troubled time when we are isolated, but also bombarded with stressful information, we must find solutions to entertain ourselves and escape (if only for a moment) from this reality. Could reading be part of the solution?

“Co-housing” is a housing option for older adults aimed at helping them maintain their independence, ensure their security, and maintain an active social and community life. Learn more about co-housing to know if this model resonates with your values and can meet your needs.

Family caregivers in hard-to-reach communities are at greater risk of unequal access to health and social services. How can we support them?

Most Canadians eat out once a week or more, because it is more convenient, they don't have time, don't like to, or don't know how to cook. Some initiatives, such as collective kitchens, have been launched here and abroad to meet the nutritional, economical and social needs of people in the community.

Food not only nourishes the body, it helps maintain or rebuild the individual and social identity of older adults. Deteriorating health or any other change due to aging threatens the social context of food activities, which can lead to social isolation and an identity crisis.

Civic participation is a pillar of our communities, and can help people keep a healthy, active and engaged life.

Parents are primarily responsible for meeting the needs of children, but grandparents play an increasing role in this area. Although they have some experience, having raised their own children, grandparents may face new challenges, some of which are unique to their grandchildren's generation. Can parenting interventions equip them to fulfil their role with grandchildren?

Immersive technologies are developing at great speed and have spread to many areas. While some envision that immersive technologies could alleviate social isolation and loneliness, the evidence remains limited and some experts have expressed concerns that they may actually exacerbate social isolation.

Gardening is more than a hobby. It is an amazing activity that can have positive effects on health and well-being. Before taking out your shovels and rakes, plan your gardening activities carefully: think about your health and safety, adapt your activities, and socialize.

Aging behind bars poses challenges. Since the vast majority of inmates end up being released into the community, it is important to look into how prison conditions affect older inmates and the support provided to them in order to ensure the success of their rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Older adults are especially at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness. The characteristics of strategies tackling these issues are important factors in determining whether or not they work.

Many people have the desire to learn throughout their lives. No wonder so many older adults go back to school, while others turn to online learning!

Intergenerational programs seem to benefit young people, older adults, and society as a whole. Let's learn how to build strong communities with strong intergenerational bonds!

Climate change and rapid urbanization can increase the intensity and frequency of disasters. Many factors influence people’s ability to cope with disasters, such as age, health status, income, social support, and the communication channels used to inform them.

No matter our age, we all have social needs. Volunteering or participating in social activities appears to be the key to address the needs of older adults for greater proximity, meaningful relationships and reciprocity.

Companion animals and animal-assisted therapies can improve the physical and mental health of older adults, and animal-assisted therapies appear promising to alleviate loneliness among older adults.

Fear of crime is associated with negative effects on health and well-being, regardless of age. This fear can be amplified among older adults who are vulnerable, frail, socially isolated, and who no longer benefit from the same family and community support. Discover what the research tells us about strategies to reduce crime and reduce the fear of crime in your community.

Arts have beneficial effects on patients, but also on community-dwelling older adults. It may be time to wake the artist inside you.

Public libraries play a significant role in meeting the educational, informational, cultural, recreational, health and social-care needs of older adults.

Sometimes central and disadvantaged neighbourhoods experience major changes, referred to as gentrification. Neighbourhood gentrification can have a significant impact on older adults who often have low and fixed incomes.

Developing activities to promote social activity among older men, especially those who are lonely or socially isolated, is complex. "Men's sheds" can have beneficial effects on mental health and social well-being by allowing men to work, break social isolation and give back to their community.

Many older adults suffer from loneliness, which is often exacerbated by illnesses or the loss of a loved one. Older adults have different strategies for dealing with loneliness, but those around them also need to help break down the walls of solitude.

Music can promote the social well-being of older adults with dementia and their caregivers. Let the sound of music brighten up our homes and communities for the well-being of older adults and their caregivers.

Coping with depression can feel like an uphill battle. In addition to treatments prescribed by your doctor, taking an active role in your treatment through self-care strategies – such as exercise, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and reminiscence therapy – can make a big difference in how you feel.

'Ambient intelligence' technologies and social networks are promising ways to foster interactions and prevent some aging-related problems.

Volunteering is a form of civic engagement that builds on the experience of older adults and breaks down social isolation, while providing them with a sense of accomplishment and belonging to the community. Concrete measures can encourage the engagement of older adults and maintain their participation in volunteer activities.

Recovering from a stroke often includes recovering language and communications skills. Speech language therapy can help.

Not everyone has the same opportunity to access health promotion programs that can save lives and prevent serious illness. Culturally customized materials and approaches can help.

Research-based recommendations to stay in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably for as long as possible.

One of the pleasures in life is spending time with family and friends. Another is getting together to relive those good times and memorable moments. Research shows that group activities involving reminiscing can help relieve loneliness and depression.

Depression is a serious chronic disorder common among older adults. Exercise is recommended as part of a depression treatment plan.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can help prevent relapse among people with depression.

Families of older adults continue to provide the vast majority of care for their members when necessary. Changes in modern society necessitate support for them from the formal healthcare system.

Retirement can impact both physical and emotional health. Engaging in meaningful social relationships and roles contributes to optimal health and well being.

Walking can contribute to improved health, and walking in groups offers additional benefits.

Many older adults are lonely and this could affect their overall health. Changing negative or wrong perceptions about oneself and others is a solution to loneliness.

Social isolation should be considered a health risk. Many older adults are socially isolated and this should be of concern to all of us. We need more research on the best way to deal with it.

If you have 3 or more health conditions, ask your family doctor about better ways to coordinate your care with other health professionals, and how you might decrease important health risks or improve key functional activities.

There are many effective treatments for incontinence, so talk to your health professional, and stop suffering in isolation.