Many Cape Breton seniors lonely during holidays

SYDNEY, N.S. — You might not see the loneliness around you, but you’re surrounded.

Major Corey Vincent of the Salvation Army church in Sydney said there many seniors who are isolated and alone.

“We see it on a daily basis here at the Salvation Army,” he said.

“I have members of my church who have no family. We know quite a number of seniors who will be alone this Christmas and I’m sure they’d love to have a friend that they could talk to, a friend that they could sit with and just enjoy a cup of tea.”

Vincent said one thing they’ve done on New Year’s Eve is hold a party with a goal to get people who normally would be alone to come out and join them for some fellowship, fun and food.

The Salvation Army not only works hard raising money to provide Christmas for families but also for individuals in need, including seniors who have to decide between food or heat.

A large number of seniors live in poverty every day and are affected by that, he said.

“Loneliness just adds to the stress and it’s a horrible feeling when you’re living in poverty but on top of that you have no one to talk to, or no one to ask advice. It’s a sad reality.”

Vincent said all human beings have a need to connect with one another and that need doesn’t change with age.

“There are so many seniors in our community that would like to have a friend to talk to, who are just longing for a connection. That’s a primal need and I believe that’s the way God created us, for that connection with other human beings.”

Michele MacPhee, seniors safety and social inclusion co-ordinator at Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre in L'Ardoise, said they know there are a lot of seniors experiencing isolation.

MacPhee said according to research, loneliness and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“While anyone can experience isolation seniors are disproportionately affected,” she said.

"I feel isolation has a negative impact one one's sense of self-worth."

MacPhee said the Fountain of Health, a national initiative promoting brain health and resiliency, recommends social activity as one of the best things we can do to maximize our health and happiness. Research shows that feeling socially connected and supported is a key factor in overall health and well-being no matter what age we are.

MacPhee said the Dr. Kingston Community Health Centre, in collaboration with many community partners, has undertaken a number of initiatives throughout Richmond County to alleviate the impact of social isolation.

“We have rolled out a variety of peer support programs, offered large group suppers, music programs, began a time bank/skills exchange, as well as numerous opportunities to gather and socialize.

Ruth Martell, volunteer at the Glace Bay Food Bank, said there are seniors in the area who are alone and won’t have company for Christmas.

“We have people who come here who need the food but also the company.”

Martell said it can be hard for seniors coming to the food back for their first time. She remembers touching the side of the face of one lady with her hand saying, “You’ll be OK. Come back again next month and we’ll take care of you.”

Martell said the woman was emotional.

“She looked at me and said, ‘You’ll never know how much that meant to me.’”

• Cape Bretoners alone at Christmas

The food bank tries to bond people including those who are alone, for Christmas dinner.

This year the dinner is being held Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m.

For some people this will be their only turkey dinner. Martell said the food bank serves a

daily hot meal and for many it’s their only meal of the day.

“There are people who come — one lady in particular — who doesn’t necessarily need the food, we know she comes for the company.”

Helping the Lonely

Advice offered by Michele MacPhee, seniors safety and social inclusion co-ordinator for the Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre in L’Ardoise, if you know of someone who is lonely and isolated: