How Strengthening Social Connections Can Enable Older Adults in Canada to Remain in Their Homes Longer
This month we hear from Matthew Bosnich, Research Associate, Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre.
What is 'aging in the right place'?
In recent decades, Canada has experienced a rapid growth in its aging population. In fact, Qureshi et al. (2026) have reported that 38% of Canada’s population is now comprised of older adults ages 50+. As a result, there is a rising challenge to plan to meet the needs of this cohort, with aging in the right place being a crucial element in the process of aging well in Canada.
Aging in the right place is all about supporting older adults in staying healthy in the setting that they feel suits them best. In a 2025 Aging in Canada Survey, Qureshi et al (2026) found that the right place to age for 81% of older adults was either their own home or a smaller, more manageable home. Although there are many factors that can go into making this goal possible, a high rate of social isolation and loneliness among older adults in Canada has proven to be a significant barrier in this regard.
How can strengthening social engagement help older adults age in the right place?
It has been reported that social connection can play a significant role in keeping older adults healthy, both physically and mentally (Rosenberg et al, 2022). Social disconnection can increase the risk of older adults developing serious health conditions, such as dementia, which in turn can decrease their level of independence and ability to age in the right place (Qureshi et al, 2026).
The question going forward then is, how can we best support older adults in our community in remaining socially active so that they can age in their desired homes for as long as possible? One such example that has gained traction in recent years is the concept of Men’s Sheds, which act as communal gathering places for men to come together and engage in activities, such as woodworking and electronic repairs, while socializing with their peers. Although this is a gender-specific example, it provides an excellent case for how a community social initiative can be successfully implemented to address social isolation for older adults still living in their homes.
As the Healthy Aging and Wellness Innovation Centre continues to expand its operations, the topic of aging in the right place presents an exciting avenue worth exploring for new solutions to address the gaps in our community that are preventing older adults from achieving meaningful social connections and prolonging the time they are able to comfortably age in their preferred homes and communities.
If you would like to learn more about our resources, capabilities and how we are ready to work with you, visit our website, and contact David DiPietro at [email protected].
References
1. Qureshi, T., Gallant, G., Bronstein, T., Hazelden, M., Brierley, A., & Sinha, S. (2026). Perspectives on growing older in Canada: The 2025 NIA ageing in Canada survey. National Institute on Ageing, Toronto Metropolitan University. https://niageing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/January-22-2026_Perspective-on-Growing-Older-in-Canada-The-2025-NIA-Ageing-in-Canada-Survey_Report.pdf
2. Rosenberg, M.W., Puxty, J., & Crow, B. (2022). Enabling older adults to age in community. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Forum of Ministers Responsible for Seniors. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/canada/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/reports/enabling-age-community-en.pdf