The report, Understanding the Factors Driving the Epidemic of Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older Canadians, found 58 per cent of Canadians 50 and older have experienced loneliness, while 40 per cent are socially isolated.

However, loneliness and social isolation are not the same thing, experts say.

“Social isolation is more of an objective state of having lack of social contact,” said University of Manitoba professor and ageing researcher Verena Menec.

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