Seniors experience retirement differently; while some lead active social lives and enjoy their retirement, others may struggle with loneliness and isolation due to physical, mental, or social challenges. Factors like health status, income, education, and family support all shape these experiences. This makes loneliness and social isolation among seniors a pressing civic issue in Vancouver, impacting not only their health but also demanding collective responses through public policies, social programs, and community involvement.

Sherry Soltani – Local Journalism Initiative

Samira Gholami, a TV host and community educator from Vancouver, recently interviewed Nirvana Mousavi, Co-Founder of Hamdam Organization, which is based in the Vancouver community that provides services to seniors, particularly within the local Persian community in Vancouver.

Their conversation focused on the importance of accessible services to help seniors stay engaged, especially with support from their children. Nirvana explained that children can play a key role by sharing their parents’ interests with service providers like Hamdam to ensure personalized care. Hamdam helps seniors with transportation and companionship, enabling them to attend social gatherings, medical appointments, and community activities, reducing isolation and strengthening social bonds.

Samira emphasized that many immigrant seniors, especially in the Persian community in Vancouver, face additional challenges, such as language barriers, that limit their independence. By offering affordable services, communities can alleviate the burden on children who may feel guilty for not being able to care for their parents due to work or other responsibilities. Both Samira and Nirvana stressed that building intergenerational connections through such services enhances community cohesion and contributes to the well-being of seniors.