A new study from the Saskatoon Council on Aging and the University of Saskatchewan are looking forward, beyond the pandemic.

A survey is currently live on the SCOA website and its purpose is to hear from older adults and how the public health measures during the pandemic has affected their lives.

The project explores two main questions. One being what effects have the COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures had on older adults and the second being what approaches might be implemented to lessen the negative effects in the future.

Once the results from the survey are in, the second part of the study will hold focus groups with older adults 55 and over to find out what might be most helpful in lessening the negative effects and supporting the positive changes that have occurred as a result of the pandemic and public health restrictions.

June Gawdun, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Council on Aging says they expect to hear a range of different results.

“I’m sure some different thoughts will come out and that’s what we want to hear. Some of the big things arising from the pandemic of course is isolation and again because of safety measures to protect older adults, older adults living in congregate living setting for example, they have not been able to access visitors at certain times because of safety and sometimes their programs sort of have to be put on hold.”

It’s expected that the survey will be available on the SCOA website for the next month.

Gawden says the project has to be wrapped up by March 1st of next year. The goal is to hear from at least 500 respondents.

The findings of the survey will be used to make recommendations about how to respond to the needs of adults now and in the future.