Expert on the risks of isolation on seniors

During BC Seniors’ Week, the following University of Victoria expert is available to media to discuss the risks of social isolation on older adults, a demographic being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Stuart MacDonald (Psychology) is an expert in healthy aging and cognitive decline in older adults. He examines genetic, biological and psychological risk factors that foreshadow the onset of dementia and poor health. MacDonald is also a research partner in Voices in Motion, the community choir project for adults with memory loss, their caregivers and friends. He can discuss the potential risks of social isolation on psychological, cognitive and physical health. These include elevated depressive symptoms, dementia, and elevated inflammation and vascular disease. Recent research shows that social isolation has more of a negative impact on health than living a sedentary lifestyle. (Email at smacd@uvic.ca)