The current federal Immigration Act forces many senior immigrants into isolation. Under the family reunification plan, seniors may be sponsored by their family in Canada. However, these seniors are often unable to support themselves independently due a lack of money, language, and marketable skills. Very often seniors can be seen walking alone, unable to communicate, without money for bus fare. Dependent upon their family, they are often abused, ignored, and taken advantage of.
Seniors also find themselves isolated if their family is living in another province or town.
They find many of their friends have passed away. Seniors may also not be able to get around because of physical disabilities. Rural seniors also find the isolation of small or farm towns very difficult. There may not be a hospital, community centre, or clinic available. There often is no public transportation.