Social isolation a growing problem

By MIKE WHITEHOUSE | THE SUDBURY STAR

"As Sudburians age, the community will face a host of new social challenges, says Craig Ticalo.

But age-appropriate activities, peer support and battling isolation are challenges familiar to Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin, Ticalo, chair of the group's board of directors, says.

So he put two and two together and came up with the Senior's Friendship Circle, a new program linking area seniors with members of Independent Living as companions.

Companions will visit and call seniors at risk weekly. Seniors will also be invited to participate in activities offered by Independent Living to foster inclusion.
Social isolation is a growing problem in Greater Sudbury as the senior population grows and ages. About 30% of seniors live alone and twice as many women as men report living alone, especially ages 85 and older.

Companions will aid in reading and writing correspondence, mailing bills and letters, help with groceries, play cards and games or just be available for conversations and walks.

The program is a natural fit, Ticalo said.

"People will ask: 'How can someone with a disability give something to anybody?' " he said.

But Independent Living members have lots to give and have demonstrated they want to want to contribute to the community, he said.

There a re lots of similarities between seniors and disabled, he said, not least of which is the daily challenge of living their lives with dignity and autonomy.

"We want to prove that we are not a taking organization," Ticalo said,

Initially, the program will begin with about 25 volunteers matched with 25 seniors. Ticalo said he hopes to log 300 visits in the first year of the pilot project.

The project is being funded with a $25,000 grant from the federal government's New Horizons For Seniors Program.

Ticalo said he hopes in the longer term, the program will introduce seniors to Independent Living programs and services."

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