The New Year is upon us and many of us look forward to bettering ourselves in some shape or form through our New Year’s resolutions. Maybe it’s to get out and meet more people, or get more involved in the community, or just increase our activity level at the local recreation centre. This is easy for many of us, but for the elderly, these types of resolutions can actually include many roadblocks.

These roadblocks for seniors come in the form of reduced incomes, physical mobility issues and even lack of access to safe and reliable transportation. This often can lead to social isolation, loneliness and/or depression. As humans, we are social creatures and we naturally need healthy interaction with others to maintain our mental well-being and physical health. This is even more important after retirement, when social contact is reduced due to a lack of workforce interaction.

A variety of research and studies have shown that social isolation can lead to many negative outcomes such as poor health, loneliness and other emotional distress. The Working Together for Seniors report by the Government of BC notes that social isolation and exclusion are linked with increased chance of premature death, more depression, more disability from chronic diseases, poor mental and physical health, increased use of health and support services, and a general reduced quality of life.

But which seniors are at risk of social isolation? Many circumstances and situations can play a part, but they generally involve personal and social factors. The most vulnerable seniors are those with limited assistance with transportation and routine activities such as meal preparation, shopping and transportation. They also tend to have low emotional support, reduced physical leisure activities and often live alone.

Many of these issues can be addressed for the elderly through a seniors accompaniment service called Driving Miss Daisy. With services meant to help elderly people retain their independence, Driving Miss Daisy assists in more than just transportation. By providing individualized and personal service, and taking the time to listen carefully to the challenges the elderly face, Driving Miss Daisy helps seniors with their errands and shopping, visit friends or attend church, and help them to take an active role in their community.

The Victoria franchise owner, Susan Benesch, loves interacting with all her senior clients and understands some of the challenges they face. Having once been a funeral director, Susan is able to help people at some of the hardest times of their lives. Compassion and kindness can have a powerful affect on a senior that is suffering from social isolation. Susan embodies those qualities and genuinely cares about her clients. So much so, that she inspired her good friend Heather Thurston to join her in servicing the community Sidney to Saanich. Heather has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is also a Certified Senior Advisor. Together they’re an unstoppable team, taking the time to understand their clients …as individuals who have a lifetime of stories, insight and wisdom to share. This simple camaraderie can have such a positive impact on the emotional and mental health of an individual facing social barriers and/or isolation.

Services provided by Driving Miss Daisy also go above and beyond in many cases, like accompanying seniors to medical exams and providing the details to a loved one or family members. This extended level of assistance, as well as respite for those caring for their elderly family members, can become a great resource for avoiding social isolation.

By taking these five steps, you or someone you know can avoid the pitfalls of social isolation. Driving Miss Daisy can help achieve this, every step of the way.

1. Improve Your Health – control health issues by staying in close consultation with your doctor. Let Driving Miss Daisy assist you to your appointments. Ask for self-help suggestions to better manage your condition. These suggestions can be written down for you by your accompaniment service. Also maintain an appropriate and regular exercise routine and try to eat a healthy diet. Driving Miss Daisy can help with groceries and transport you to local health and exercise classes.

2. Widen Your Circle of Friends – there is a simple comfort and support found in old friendships and with family members. However, new friends can energize your life and open you up to opportunities for fresh experiences. You can do this by checking your local paper for clubs, associations and groups you have an interest in. This way you’ll attract other people with similar interests to your own. Driving Miss Daisy can get you where you need to go and when you need to - and no waiting.

3. Become a Mentor – as a senior, you have a wealth of knowledge, so why not share that. Become a mentor and help a less experienced person realize their goals. While you share and help, you’ll probably also learn and grow at the same time. By meeting on a regular basis with someone, you will help supply the stability mentorship provides and also create some new experiences and friendships for yourself. By taking the time to talk to your service provider from Driving Miss Daisy, they might know of opportunities that are a good fit for you as they are often on the pulse of the active senior community in your neighbourhood.

4. Volunteer - volunteering is a great way to increase your confidence, give you a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction and provide opportunities to learn new skills. Often lasting friendships are created as well. Your Driving Miss Daisy provider may know of some organizations, community centres or even your local school that might need some help. Then, when you are ready to participate in your new role, Driving Miss Daisy will make sure you’re there on time and ready to enjoy your day.

5. Get Computer Savvy – the Internet provides an unlimited number of resources and opportunities which are immediate and easy to access. Social networks and email allow you to keep in contact with friends and family. Chat rooms can be joined to meet new people. Online courses are available to challenge your knowledge and you can join on-line clubs to access like-minded people. Why not start now and go to www.drivingmissdaisy.net, click on “Contact Us” and click on “Heather” or “Susan” under the British Columbia Franchises.