Series - Editorial Fellowship: Transforming Volunteerism and Work

Volunteering as an antidote to loneliness

Author Isabelle Castro
Isolation can have devastating consequences, and for seniors, the consequences of loneliness are particularly acute

Why It Matters

More than half of Canadians aged 50 or older have experienced loneliness, with 40 per cent experiencing isolation.

Once a week, Jo Anne sits down for four hours to talk to people she has never met. Sheโ€™s retired, happily married with grown children, and has an active social life.ย  Still, she dedicates this part of her week to volunteering for A Friendly Voice, a service battling loneliness where people can call in for a 30-minute conversation.

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