Connectivity During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is having, and will continue to have, profound effects on the wellbeing and social interactions of older adults. Because of social distancing rules, we are all missing many of our regular social connections. The purpose of this study is to understand how older Canadians have maintained social connections during COVID-19, and to explore how these changes are affecting their relationships, wellbeing, and use of technology over time.

This research project entitled "Understanding and supporting the social connections and digital connectivity of older Canadians during and after the COVID-19 pandemic" is being led by Principal Investigator Prof. Kim Lopez, and Dr. Catherine Tong. This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee (ORE #42256). The Research Ethics Committee can be contacted at 1-519-888-4567 ext. 36005 or ore-ceo@uwaterloo.ca.

Watch our videos below to learn about how older adults are using technology to maintain social connections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Need help with a virtual medical appointment? Created by older adults for older adults, our Virtual Care Checklist can help you and the other older adults in your life prepare for and navigate online and phone appointments.