As we settle into winter in Canada, it’s a good time to focus on mental health. The colder temperatures, shorter days, and reduced access to outdoor activities can affect emotional well-being. Many people experience feelings of isolation or loneliness during this season. Simple steps—like maintaining a routine, reaching out to loved ones, or staying active—can help support mental and physical health.
While mental health and loneliness is a concern for everyone, some groups face unique challenges. In Canada, 37% of seniors report feeling isolated often or some of the time, which can exacerbate loneliness. Older women often report higher rates of loneliness, influenced by factors like widowhood, living alone, caregiving roles, and financial insecurity. Loneliness poses risks to health and longevity, and is linked to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and dementia, so tackling loneliness using gender-specific strategies is crucial.
New research in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, led by Rachel Savage, PhD, of the Women’s Age Lab at Women’s College Hospital Institute, highlights the healthcare patterns of lonely older adults. The study finds that lonely seniors—both women and men—were more likely to need home-care and long-term care. Notably, the women who reported the highest levels of loneliness also had the greatest probability of moving to these care settings. This further underscores the need for gender-specific approaches to addressing loneliness and the provision of care for seniors.
Creating opportunities for connection—through phone calls, shared meals, or community activities—can make a meaningful difference. Investing in women’s health research is also critical for addressing areas that remain underfunded and understudied. By understanding the specific healthcare needs of women at every stage of life, we can create targeted solutions that improve women’s health in meaningful ways.
This winter, let’s prioritize mental health. By checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or advocating for mental health resources, we can all contribute to fostering well-being. Together, we can build a future where women’s health is recognized and supported all year long.