Thanks to a grant from the Government of Canada in 2022, Compassionate Community Care was able to survey over 500 Canadians. The survey touched on issues important to the elderly as well as their experience during and since COVID-19. The lockdown restrictions were still in place in some areas across Canada during the time of the survey. This was indicated in the prevalence of answers participants gave which included COVID-19. The survey included questions that addressed issues of elder abuse, neglect, depression, self and social isolation, those who are vulnerable, as well as disabilities among the elderly.

Through the results of the survey, Compassionate Community Care was able to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Canadians personally both during and since the pandemic. The statistical correlations and trends that emerged from the responses of the survey are summarized in this report which is available under our Resources Tab; here.

Eligible participants of the survey were those aged 55 years and older. These individuals were screened based on their age at the start of the survey. Participants were included from across Canada, from the Maritime provinces to the West Coast and Territories.

Overview of Results

There were two distinct groups within the study: those who were isolated and did not see their family or friends, and those who acted “as if there was no COVID-19”. Separate from these two groups was a third smaller, more fragmented group. These seniors felt isolated to a certain degree, but due to either having a spouse/partner with whom they lived, pet or supportive faith community, endured fairly well through the lockdowns. While they expressed some feelings of loneliness, it seemed manageable because they were not alone.

Survey Data

Over 500 Canadians were surveyed. Of these; 67% said they are female and 33% said they are male; 24.4% of seniors surveyed said they live alone, 52.3 % of seniors surveyed live with their spouse/partner, and the remaining 23.3% surveyed said they live with family, or in retirement housing, etc. For more of the details of the report and analysis, please read the entire report here, for a shorter (5 page) summary of the report; click here.

Conclusion and Follow-Up

Although many of the survey responses expressed a concern about the state of Canada due to lockdowns and mandates during the pandemic, seniors also expressed concern about health care and end-of-life care. Some seniors expressed specific fears about MAiD (medical aid in dying/euthanasia). As well, another theme arose, that of genuine concern for the well-being of others, and the need to ensure individual human rights and freedoms are protected.

A participant’s response sums this up well in their final feedback:

“Seeing seniors in person is the most important way to help them.”

Compassionate Community Care thanks all seniors who participated in this survey and welcomes any questions, comments and feedback.