Older Adults’ Stories of Isolation and Ageism during COVID-19

In collaboration with Brock University’s Master of Applied Gerontology Reimagining Aging Speaker Series – the Lifespan Institute was pleased to bring you this exciting virtual session.

COVID-19 is dramatically changing the lives of older adults in numerous and complex ways. Social and physical distancing guidelines put older adults at an increased risk for social isolation. Additionally, intergenerational tensions have intensified during the pandemic, and early research states the labeling of older adults (as a homogenous group) as “vulnerable” can lead to an increased risk of ageism in their communities. 

In this Reimagining Aging Series, Tia Rogers-Jarrell shared older adults’ stories of isolation and ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Karen Thompson from the Community Support Services of Niagara also shared their client-driven support services that help seniors in Niagara live independently in their own homes.

Watch the recording of the webinar here:

SPEAKERS

Christina (Tia) Rogers-Jarrell – PhD Candidate, York University – Tia Rogers-Jarrell is a PhD candidate at York University in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. Combining her interests in promoting active aging and combating social isolation, she utilizes critical qualitative and mixed method approaches to understand how to create opportunities that encourage social participation within older populations. She has taught in the Master of Applied Gerontology program since 2021.

Karen Thompson, Happy in my Home