This fact sheet provides a snapshot of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected older Manitobans. The information comes from 2,371 Manitobans aged 55 years or older who participated in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) COVID study. The data were collected in the spring of 2020 during the first lock-down period in Manitoba. When possible, we compare responses to those of Manitobans who participated in CLSA before the pandemic.
Not surprisingly, compared to before the pandemic, loneliness increased substantially for Manitobans in 2020. In particular, for those aged 55-65, loneliness increased from 22% to 40% reporting being lonely 'sometimes' or more.
When asked about their experiences during the pandemic in 2020, substantial proportions of Manitobans reported experiencing separation from family and inability to access usual health care services. Loss of income and not being able to care for people who needed help was most common in the 55-65 age group.
Click on the image below to view the 2-page information sheet.
View the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) data acknowledgement here.
