the Canadian Red Cross released the results of its four-month COVID-19 study and is calling for policies and practices that better serve the most vulnerable among Canada’s senior population – both during a pandemic and beyond.
The Red Cross study was conducted by Leger in four segments between April and July. It tracked the social and psychological impacts of COVID-19 on more than 2,000 Canadians 18 years of age and older – with an emphasis on vulnerable seniors, defined as 65 years or older who are living alone and in fair or poor health.
Findings highlighted long-standing challenges for vulnerable seniors that have further intensified during COVID-19.
The study also found that residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are faring better than other Canadians.
• Just 19 percent of respondents reported feeling anxious, restless or uneasy in the three days prior to the survey – a 14 per cent decline over Wave Three results and seven per cent less than the average for all provinces.
• Only 18 percent reported feeling little interest or pleasure in things they normally enjoy – a 6% decrease in percentage recorded in Wave 3 (24%) and 3% lower than the average for all provinces.
-Michelle Palansky , Communications Advisor, SK, MB, Nunavut, Canadian Red Cross
