Feeling lonely? You’re not alone

While technology connects us in an instant, people of all ages are experiencing high levels of loneliness in our city. According to a recent report, more than one third of people living in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area – which includes Mississauga – say they feel lonely at least three days a week. This is one of the highest rates of loneliness in Canada.

Loneliness can have severe health impacts. The National Institute on Aging reports that social isolation and loneliness are becoming significant public health concerns, particularly for older adults. Mood disorders, dementia, cardiovascular disease and malnutrition are some of the health issues associated with loneliness.

But it’s not all bad news. While loneliness is a serious concern, there are steps you can take to start feeling more connected. Here are a few ways to get out and make connections with others in your community.

Try volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people while giving back to your community. Interested in volunteering but not sure where to start? The City offers many different volunteer opportunities including:

• Dog walking, cat and small pet socialization and pet fostering at our animal shelter
• Helping out at events and festivals at Celebration Square, the Museums, Small Arms Inspection Building and the Living Arts Centre
• Teen Advisory Groups at Mississauga Library
• Taking care of the City’s natural areas through litter cleanups, adopt a park programs, maintaining a garden bed, planting trees and more

Learn about all the volunteer positions in Mississauga.

Visit the library

Libraries are terrific social hubs with free in-person programs for residents of all ages. Mississauga has 18 library branches across the city making it easy to find ways to come together.  Programs include:

• Book clubs
• Conversation circles to help improve English language skills
• Handicraft socials and workshops
• Family storytimes

You can search all library programs by age on our website.

Adopt a pet

Ready to meet your new best friend? Studies show that pet ownership and human-animal interaction can help improve social connections, provide social support and decrease loneliness.

Learn more about the pets available at our Animal Services Shelter.

Get involved in city building

Your city needs you! Mississauga is growing and changing. Whether it’s finding new ways to bring housing to the city, designing parks or planning for better transit connections – we’d love your feedback.

Take some time to learn about the projects that are transforming Mississauga. Visit our Have Your Say website and join one of our upcoming public meetings.

Use community programs and facilities

Participating in community activities is one way to help combat loneliness. Going to parks, community and recreation centres can improve physical and mental well-being and helps create social connections.

Get outside

Parks and natural areas are wonderful gathering places where residents can engage in recreational activities, organize community events and strengthen social bonds. This winter, try skating at Celebration Square or experience the scenic Lakeview Winter Walking Trail.  Want to find a park near you? Use our find a park tool to learn how you can stay active at Mississauga’s more than 500 parks.

Create and get active

Ready to try something new or get back to a hobby you used to love? Mississauga offers something for everyone from hockey, fitness classes and swimming to a wide-range of arts and culture activities.

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• Things to Do