By Staff
June 7th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the biggest very serious concerns is for those seniors who for any number of reasons are on their own.
The isolation and the loneliness destroy any sense of dignity.
In honour of Seniors Month, Connection In Action has launched its new website, https://connectioninaction.ca/ , to help older adults (55+) in Halton find opportunities
to stay socially connected and improve their well-being as a result.
This is not a lifestyle that is rich in relationships.
A truly collaborative effort, the website was designed with the help of older adults, who joined the website’s working group and provided feedback during consultations. The website consolidates information about the importance of social connections, community resources, Connection in Action’s 25 partners, and how the program helps older adults in the community to increase their social networks, which in turn can improve their mental and physical health, strengthen their memory and focus, and increase the quality of their life as they age.
Connection in Action supports older adults directly by providing them with a Connection Specialist, who they can call at 905 844 2299 to learn about opportunities to meet their individual needs. Connection in Action also supports older adults indirectly by showing other organizations how to help out.
The limiting part is that many seniors have limited computer literacy skills – and truth be told a computer monitor is not the same as being in a room with people.
Empowerment (LITE) Education, which consists of educational sessions that teach businesses and community groups about topics related to the well-being of older adults, such as elder abuse prevention, age-friendly communities, and the health impacts of social isolation.
“Older adults are at greater risk of social isolation for many reasons,” explains Patricia Blakeley, co-chair of the Older Adult Isolation Action Table, which oversees the program. “Connection in Action is a proactive initiative to provide older adults, their loved ones and the community with information and resources to help them stay engaged and active as they age.”
Connection in Action will be providing a presentation for 80 seniors in Georgetown at the Hillsview Active Living Centre’s Seniors Lunch on June 13 at noon to give a snapshot of what the program offers, how older adults can use it, and what it may look like in the future.
About Connection In Action
Launched in March of 2020, Connection in Action is an initiative of Halton’s Community Safety & Well-being Plan. It’s committed to reducing social isolation by increasing social connections for adults aged 55 and older who live in Halton. The Connection Specialist works one-on-one with older adults by offering information and making referrals to support a sense of belonging. Connection in Action also supports communities in Halton through awareness-raising and capacity-building education called LITE (Loneliness, Isolation to Empowerment) Education.
Connection in Action is overseen by Halton’s Older Adult Isolation Action Table, and all services are offered free of cost.
