Let’s Chat: Loneliness is a real thing

By Linda Tooth on December 3, 2025.

While in Toronto for a work-related conference, I attended a presentation that talked about loneliness and its impact on Canadians. According to the YMCA Connections Snapshot from August 2025, “Only 4 in 10 Canadians surveyed feel a sense of connection and belonging in their community.” They go on to say ur young people are reporting the lowest levels of social connection with three of four aged 18-34 sensing a lack of community.

What does being lonely mean? I looked through many definitions of lonely and I found one that to me sums it up nicely. According to Student Affairs at Stanford University, “While loneliness is complex, it can be simply understood as the unwanted feeling we experience stemming from the absence of connections.”

I think there have always been those who feel lonely, but since COVID-19 I would argue the numbers have multiplied at rates we maybe don’t realize.

I was in Walmart recently and bought a copy of Canadian Living. For me, this is not a normal purchase, but I am so glad I bought the December 2025 issue.

In the Life & Community section they talk about relationships in the article Kindred Spirits by Sara Romano. The article starts by saying, “In this age of loneliness, meaningful connections are more important than ever.”

That caught my eye right away. Upon reading further, the focus of this article is on inter-generational friendships. I am now hooked and have soaked up this article like it is the best thing I have ever read, and perhaps it is.

It goes on to say that a professor at the University of Toronto is teaching a class that takes students and matches them with residents of a retirement home. The object of this class is to understand ageism, Medical Assistance in Dying and to have the students make friends with at least one resident. Romano suggests intergenerational friendships can help reduce ageism.

According to the Alberta Government website the population of seniors (aged 65 and over) living in Alberta rose from 12% of our total population in 2013 to 16% in 2023.

The government is projecting by 2051, one in five Albertans will be 65 and over.

What can we do to help people in our province, especially those 65 and over, live a life where they feel connected to the community? How about we match our senior population with Albertans between the ages of 18 to 34? This can be accomplished through post-secondary classes like the one offered at the University of Toronto, book clubs, sharing of meals, going shopping together, or even going for coffee.

If you are a senior and you are feeling lonely and you love to read, make sure you read my column next week when I talk about a book club I am in and the book we are reading for January.

We would love to have you join us for conversation and snacks. We love to laugh and share stories. f you see me out in public please stop me and say hello. I have had people approach me and I love making those connections with people.

Until next week, have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a philanthropy and youth support worker, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta