Bridging the Gap: Empowering rural seniors through connection and care

In rural communities across Ontario, many seniors face a growing challenge: isolation and loneliness.

With fewer social programs and services than their urban counterparts, rural seniors are often left disconnected.

Specifically, according to Statistics Canada, Huron County’s population is aging, with 25.9 per cent aged 65 and older, well above the provincial average of 18.5 per cent.

As communities age, concerns around cognitive decline, mobility, and overall well-being become increasingly urgent.

Conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia are on the rise, with the Alzheimer's Society of Canada projecting a staggering 202 per cent increase in dementia cases across Ontario between 2020 and 2050.

In towns like Goderich where seniors make up 32 per cent of the population, the need for connection and support is greater than ever.

Since 2008, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH), a non-profit based in Goderich, has worked to tackle health disparities in rural Southwestern Ontario.

Through research, community programs, innovation, Gateway CERH has championed the belief that healthy aging happens best at home – when people are supported within their own communities.

This is further reinforced by numerous external studies and research findings.

Social engagement shouldn’t just be a luxury for rural seniors – it’s a public health necessity.

Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety and a faster cognitive decline.

“In the pre-COVID-19 era, over 50 per cent of older adults were known to be at risk of loneliness” (Fakoya et al., 2020 in Briguglio et al. 2020).

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how dangerous isolation can be, especially for aging adults who are already at risk of chronic illness or mobility loss.

Through previous programs, Gateway CERH has consistently led efforts to slow down these declines.

While each initiative focuses on unique challenges, they all share a common goal – improving health outcomes for rural residents.

Gateway CERH’s latest initiatives, Legion Learning and Legion Lounge, are leading the way in demonstrating how simple, well-designed programs can empower older adults to stay socially active, mentally sharp, and physically well.

Legion Learning helps close the digital gap for isolated seniors in our rural community, boosting a socialization, independence, and mental well-being.

Meanwhile, Legion Lounge, a social arcade and coffeehouse, offers a welcoming space for seniors to connect, stay active with games like Nintendo Switch Sports and skeeball, and engage their minds with puzzles and pinball.

The space also features a driving simulator to build confidence and cognitive skills, helping seniors maintain independence.

With a focus on targeted mobility and cognitive interventions, along with enhanced overall well-being, rural seniors will be better equipped to age well in place.

Thus, enabling them to remain in their homes and communities while slowing the progression from emergency departments to long-term care.

This approach will build greater resilience and inclusivity within local communities, helping to build a more vibrant, connected, and supportive environment for aging rural populations.

The message is clear – healthy aging doesn’t just happen in hospitals or long-term care homes. It begins with conversation, connection, and a little bit of courage to try something new.

Interesting in the Legion Learning and Lounge program? Visit: https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/legionlearningandlounge or drop in at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 – Goderich.

Interested in how to safely age in place? Visit: https://www.nia.nig.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home

Amy Sturgeon is a Project Lead at Gateway CERH