Make use of public service announcements. Write articles for the newsletters of other organizations. Post flyers in churches, community centres, community meeting halls, corner stores, ferries, laundry rooms and physicians' offices. Use plain language and clear print. Our society, through the perpetuation of negative images of seniors, increases prejudice toward seniors, reduces their self-esteem and involvement and thereby increases their risk for poor health.
Social isolation implies a lack of social networks, absence of visitors and no support systems.
Respect the desire to be independent. A senior may prefer to be alone. Sometimes older adults have difficulty switching from independence to interdependence with others. They may feel guilty relying on others and, therefore, are reluctant to seek help. Seniors from other cultures may benefit from services originating in the mainstream but it is often more difficult to involve them in programs.