Too many older adults in Canada are feeling lonely and disconnected, and it’s taking a serious toll on their health and wellbeing. Communities across Canada are working hard to help older adults to feel connected, supported, and included, but they can’t do it alone.
CanBelong is a first-of-its-kind national initiative that aims to tackle loneliness and build a sense of belonging and connection among older adults through grants, partnerships, research, and advocacy. By bringing together leading organizations, researchers, and communities from across Canada, CanBelong is working to better understand the root causes of loneliness, support local solutions that build connection and belonging, and advocate for older adults and the communities that support them.
According to the National Institute on Ageing’s 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey, 57% of older adults in Canada are experiencing loneliness — a figure that remains unchanged since 2022.
CanBelong is taking action to reduce loneliness and help older adults feel more connected, supported, and valued in their communities in three key ways:
Investing in communities
CanBelong will fund community-led solutions that have a proven track record of building belonging for older Canadians and have the potential to scale up their work. We’ll also foster partnerships to strengthen and grow successful national programs so they can reach even more people across Canada.
Bringing people together and building knowledge
CanBelong is bringing together leading organizations, researchers, and community partners through a national Belonging Coalition. Together, they will help uncover the root causes and impact of loneliness among older adults and create benchmarking tools to guide future action, advocacy, and community solutions.
Driving change through policy action
CanBelong will work with partners and governments to push for policies and investments that help older adults stay connected and supported. This includes advocating for stronger recognition and support for community-based seniors’ services organizations and the vital role they play in helping older adults age well in their communities.
Thank You to Our Partners
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We appreciate the support of our generous donors in helping us create a world in which all older persons lead secure, healthy, active and dignified lives.