Pan-Edmonton Group Addressing Social Isolation of Seniors/Connecting Edmonton Seniors
Inclusion and social connectedness are key social determinants of health. Social inclusion is a preventive measure that supports government and community goals, such as easing strain on our health care system.
In the spring of 2016, the Pan-Edmonton Group Addressing Social Isolation of Seniors (PEGASIS) began with funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Seven not-for-profit organizations received funding for three years to launch a collective impact initiative that would reduce social isolation of seniors. Funding for the project was extended in 2019 and the group rebranded under the "Connecting Edmonton Seniors" name.
By addressing a range of factors that may lead to social isolation, the PEGASIS/Connecting Edmonton Seniors initiative promoted healthy connections and built networks among seniors, caregivers, and communities.
While funding for this initiative has ended, stakeholders continue to collaborate through the Stewardship Round Table, a network of experts within Edmonton's seniors serving network to address complex issues impacting older Edmontonians, including isolation. A summary report of this initiative is available below for more information.