This holiday season, the tasks and stress can be overwhelming and endless, but here’s a fun and free way to instantly lift your mood — call a senior in your life and share the joy of the season with them!

That’s what Maria van Sloun, a volunteer driver and companion to three seniors through the James Bay Community Project, recommends. When asked why she volunteers in her community, van Sloun said, “Seniors are so appreciative that someone comes to visit them once a week. I do believe when people live alone, it’s easier to get lonely and depressed. I’ve seen big changes when I start coming to take them out, and then suddenly they start to seek out more opportunities to branch out.” 

Volunteering with seniors is a simple and free way to spread joy, well-being and a sense of belonging. That’s why the B.C. government provided $150,000 to the James Bay Community Project to expand its volunteer and outreach services. This funding will enable the volunteers to continue helping isolated low-income seniors with their daily needs, such as friendly visits, transportation, grocery shopping and paperwork.

“We are committed to helping seniors live socially engaged and independent lives at home,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Our government provides funding to help community-based organizations like the James Bay Community Project find local solutions to help seniors living at home alone who may be experiencing social isolation.”

van Sloun said, “Driving seniors to medical appointments, grocery shopping and sometimes for just a milkshake provides a huge boost. It accomplishes two things at once — transportation and companionship. They just love it, and I love it too. It gives me a very nice warm feeling to be doing this, and I feel like I am making a difference.”  

One of van Sloun’s weekly volunteer commitments is to drive a senior to her weekly bath at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital because she can no longer bathe safely alone at home. van Sloun noted that volunteer drivers fill a big need for seniors with mobility issues because she sticks around to drive them home after an appointment.

“We want to thank all of the generous volunteers who dedicate countless hours to community service and helping seniors throughout B.C.,” said Anne Kang, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors and Multiculturalism. “By giving seniors transportation to various appointments and activities, volunteer drivers are helping them stay independent and healthy, both physically and socially.”

van Sloun is right about the physical and emotional benefits of some good social company. Social isolation is on the rise in Canada. In 2017, 44% of Canadians saw friends at least a few times a week, a decrease from 56% in 2003. Statistics also show that Canadians saw family less frequently, with 26% seeing family a few times a week in 2017, compared to 38% in 2003. The harmful effects of social isolation and loneliness have been compared to smoking and obesity.

As an Island Health dietician for 25 years, van Sloun visited seniors’ centres and care homes where she saw the huge need for companionship from seniors that she found were often starving for attention. “They just need someone to talk to and to do something with,” she said.

The question for her was not how could she help seniors, but how could she not? van Sloun grew up on a multigenerational family farm in Germany with her grandparents and immediate family and relates strongly to communities coming together.

“I’ve always liked seniors. Today, families are so spread out across the country and many seniors come here for retirement. They may not get any visitors.”

Maria’s words are echoed by lyrics in the popular Raffi kids’ song — “the more we get together, the happier we’ll be” — a song that doesn’t just apply to kids. Social interaction is necessary at every stage of life. Social connections, including intergenerational connections, are an important part of healthy, active aging. People with strong social networks are more active, feel happier, and are more supported.

Simple things you can do for a senior in your life or community:

• call a senior in your life
• have the grandkids video chat or call their grandparents, aunts, uncles or family friends
• offer to run an errand with them to get them out and about
• take them out for a treat
• bring your kids/and or pets to a care home, if they allow it
• offer a ride to their next appointment
• offer to fix or manage something they have trouble with

The Province, through the regional health authorities, has also provided approximately $1.23 million to 13 community organizations throughout British Columbia to improve transportation services for seniors. Reliable transportation can help prevent seniors from being cut off from friends, family and social activities.

Learn More:

Government services for seniors: www.SeniorsBC.ca

Aging Well website: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/aging-well

Better at Home: www.betterathome.ca

James Bay Community Project: http://www.jbcp.bc.ca/