On a cold February evening at Waterloo Public Square, Jayden Adu-Lartey, 15, arrives at Independence, a retail store where he works part-time. His well-groomed dreadlocks stand as tall as his dedication to his job. As he enters the store, the soft scent of fried chicken from the ‘Hot Meals & Combos’ section lingers in the air.
Then he gets to aisle two, where the shelves have different kinds of neatly arranged toiletries and beauty products. The fluorescent lights shine above, but the reflection they produce on the polished tile floors makes it seem like there are bulbs on the floor. Immediately, Adu-Lartey noticed the scattered merchandise on the shelves. It was packs of toilet paper that had fallen over, with some rolls almost falling off.
Without hesitation, he starts rearranging the items, even before his official shift begins. In front of him, sponges in cheerful shades of pink, blue, green, and purple dangle from their hooks, which adds a playful splash of colour to his satisfying act of organization. Behind him, the bold ‘2’ sign indicating the aisle he is in hangs prominently, a quiet witness to the neatly arranged aisle.
When Adu-Lartey moved back, like an artist stepping back from a freshly painted masterpiece, the toilet paper display stands perfectly arranged, each roll snug against the next, forming a neat, uniform wall. The top white layers look like a cluster of fluffy clouds, ready for the next customer.
A small, satisfied smile shows on his face. But beneath that brief moment of smile is a larger reality that many young people like him navigate daily: the struggle of balancing work, school, and social life.
Growing up, Adu-Lartey never had to think about making friends; it just happened. Back in his old neighbourhood, friendships formed effortlessly. Summers were filled with outdoor games and winters with snowball fights. Life revolved around his childhood friends, a tight-knit group that felt inseparable.
Then, his family got a good deal on a house, and they moved. His new home was a practical decision, closer to school, financially beneficial for his family. But it came at a cost, he lost a lot of friends.
“Now that I’ve moved, we don’t have a lot of opportunities to see each other as much… I suppose, in that regard, I’m more lonely,” he says.
Making new friends in a new neighbourhood was hard for Adu-Lartey because, as a teenager, it wasn’t as simple as it was when he was younger.
“It’s hard to build that same connection,” he says, his gaze drifting downward for a moment before he exhales.
Jayden Adu-Lartey shares how hard it is for him to make friends as a teenager. Audio recorded at Waterloo Public Square on Feb. 3, 2025, by Cornelius Ejimogu.
While he has made new acquaintances, they mostly stay within school walls. The friends from his old neighbourhood remain closer to his heart, even if distance keeps them apart. He only relies on social media to keep in touch with his old friends, those he rarely sees in person now.
“I feel like I have all the friends I need,” he says.
Not necessarily because he wouldn’t welcome new connections, but because his schedule barely allows room for them. Despite feeling lonely at times, Adu-Lartey finds himself too occupied with school and work to actively seek new friendships. His days are a constant cycle of classes, assignments, and shifts at the store, leaving little time for socializing.
“I guess I’m a little more antisocial than before,” he says.
Adu-Lartey’s story mirrors a growing challenge among gen Z and millennials who struggle to maintain deep friendships while juggling personal ambitions.
The loneliness epidemic across generations
Lonelines is on the rise across all generations, and age grooups.
“In our clinics, we have seen more people, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, present with feelings of loneliness,” says Charity Fleming, a cognitive behaviour therapist and co-owner of Qualia Counselling Services, via email.
However, loneliness is more on the rise among younger generations than older people. According to the 2021 Social Survey by Statistics Canada, the percentage of people who report feeling lonely often or always varies significantly by age:
The above data shows a clear pattern: Younger people, particularly those under 65, report more frequent loneliness than older generations, with baby boomers experiencing the least.
Aside from this, recent data suggests that gen Z and millennials are experiencing higher levels of loneliness compared to baby boomers:
- A 2024 Humankind Study by Leo Burnett Canada found that 77 per cent of gen Z and 72 per cent of millennials experience loneliness frequently or always.
- A 2024 survey conducted by the YMCA found that 68 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 reported having no sense of community, compared to 64 per cent of those aged 25 to 54 feeling a lack of belonging.
All these findings highlight a growing concern about social isolation and loneliness among young Canadians, with the difference showing signs of extreme alienation and disconnection from the community when compared to older generations.
The contrasting difference with older generation
Bob Nally, 77, and his wife, Margaret Nally, 75, remember the challenges of feeling isolated when they first moved to Canada over 55 years ago.
“We didn’t know anyone,” Bob recalls. “But the moment we started volunteering and attending social events, everything changed. It’s through these activities that we built our closest friendships.”
Their experience mirrors that of Adu-Lartey 15, who also faced the difficulty of adjusting to a new neighbourhood where friendships didn’t come as easily.
But while Bob and Margaret actively built their social circle through community involvement, Adu-Lartey, like many younger people today, struggles to maintain friendships in a fast-paced, digital world.
“I started by volunteering to drive people to medical appointments. Margaret got involved in church activities and community support programs. Over time, we found ourselves surrounded by people who shared our values, and those friendships became lifelong,” Bob says.
Bob and Margaret Nally share how they built long-term friendships through volunteering. Audio recorded at Waterloo Public Square on Feb. 3, 2025, by Cornelius Ejimogu.
This intentional approach seems universal among older adults. Mike Charlton, who just turned 80, is a prime example of how intentional efforts can create a fulfilling social life.
Charlton has spent decades actively maintaining long-term friendships and staying closely connected with his family. His ability to balance social engagement, family life, and personal interests has helped him avoid the loneliness that many younger people experience today.
“The secret to life is knowing yourself,” Charlton says. “Everything that happens to you happens up here. If you learn how to control what goes on in your mind, you can deal with things like loneliness.”
While younger people often seek connection through social media, Charlton prioritizes in-person interactions and meaningful conversations.
His 80th birthday wasn’t just a one-day celebration; it lasted an entire week, with different groups of friends and family visiting him on separate occasions.
Mike Charlton explains how his 80th birthday lasted for a week. Audio recorded at Waterloo Public Square on Feb. 2, 2025, by Cornelius Ejimogu.
In contrast, many younger people spend less time with their families due to work, school, or physical distance. While they may FaceTime or text their parents, these digital interactions don’t replace the emotional depth of in-person family connections.
Causes of the Generational Gap
Below are some of the causes of the generational gap:
1. Lack of face-to-face interaction
One of the major reasons baby boomers are more likely to be less lonely is because they prioritize face-to-face interactions.
Troy Glover, an expert in recreation and leisure studies at the University of Waterloo, points out that technology has reshaped the way younger generations engage in social activities.
“We’re living through an age of convenience,” Glover continues. “Instead of going out to McDonald’s in person with a bunch of friends and getting a Big Mac or something, young people are more inclined to connect with Uber Eats and stay in.”
Unlike younger generations, baby boomers always seek in-person connections, whether through social gatherings, in-person stores, or structured community programs.
Glover also points out that phones have become an ever-present distraction, even when young people are physically together. As a result, interactions that could strengthen human connection are often neglected.
“When young people are together with other people, I think there’s a tendency for them to be on their phones and to almost be co-present. What I mean by that is they’re physically in the same space, but they’re socially distant because they’re focused on their phones,” he says.
Troy Glover, an expert in recreation and leisure studies at the University of Waterloo, explains what led to an ever-present distraction among young people. The video was recorded through Zoom on Feb. 19, 2025, by Conelius Ejimogu.
This contrast can be seen in how baby boomers like Bob, Margarete and Charlton connect to their old friends through face-to-face interactions, unlike Adu-Lartey, who relies on social media to connect with his old friends.
2. Family ties and caregiving roles
The way baby boomers play an active role in caring for friends, supporting their children, or helping raise grandchildren is another major factor that shields them from loneliness. This is because it creates a built-in support system that strengthens social bonds and provides a sense of purpose for older adults.
Charlton, who just turned 80, embodies this perfectly. He says he always remains deeply connected with his children and grandchildren by making time to see them regularly.
“Today, I’m here because my grandkids are skating,” he says with a smile. “That gives me joy. Being around them influences how I think and how I feel.”
Unlike many younger people who struggle to maintain family connections because they are living far away from family due to school or work, Charlton has made intentional efforts to stay involved in his loved ones’ lives.
3. Inability to balance work and social engagement
One of the major advantages baby boomers have over gen Z and millennials is their ability to balance work, retirement, and social life. Many baby boomers have mastered the art of creating more time out of their busy schedules to engage in social activities, volunteer work, and community programs.
In contrast, millennials and gen Z often find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle of work, education, and side hustles. They can easily sacrifice social connection over the pressure to build a good career, pay off student loans, and meet financial demands.
A 2024 study by Deloitte found that Millennials and gen Z prioritize career advancement over social connection, often sacrificing friendships and family time to meet work and financial goals.
The challenge for younger generations is not just a lack of free time; it’s also a shift in mindset. As a result, many young adults find themselves socially isolated, despite being constantly connected at their workplace, school or even online.
According to the TELUS Mental Health Index (2024), young Canadian workers under 40 are increasingly feeling isolated and lonely compared to their older colleagues. The report suggests that younger workers are struggling with workplace stress, long hours, and digital burnout — all factors that contribute to social withdrawal.
Bridging the gap: lessons for younger generations
As loneliness continues to rise among Gen Z and millennials, there are valuable lessons they can learn from baby boomers, who have successfully maintained deep, lasting relationships despite societal changes.
1. Prioritizing face-to-face interaction
While social media and digital communication have made it easier than ever to stay in touch, they cannot replace the emotional depth of face-to-face interactions.
Studies from the National Library of Medicine highlight that in-person communication activates deeper neurological responses, fostering trust, connection, and emotional well-being.
For younger generations, this means making an effort to step away from screens and engage in real-life social settings—whether through casual meetups, community gatherings, or personal conversations.
Ivonne Hammoud, a registered social worker, owner, and clinical therapist at New Moon Counselling, says there are practical ways to build face-to-face interaction
“They should try to build those interactions outside the digital space by catching up with people for coffee, going to the park together, and trying to have conversations with the person at the grocery store,” Hammoud says.
2. Making time for community engagement
The younger generation should learn how baby boomers have thrived in structured community settings, participating in volunteering, local organizations, and social clubs that have kept them engaged for decades.
Studies from United Way Waterloo Region Communities reinforce this idea by suggesting that neighbourhoods with higher community participation report significantly lower levels of loneliness across all age groups. This suggests that forming deeper connections isn’t just about personal effort, it’s also about being part of a supportive environment.
A great example of this is Bob and Margaret, a couple who strengthened their friendships through regular volunteer work and community events. Their story highlights how actively engaging with others in the community can lead to meaningful, long-term relationships.
However, Fleming says choosing to connect with only people who share similar values and interests with you can make all the difference.
“The solution to loneliness is not having a large quantity of relationships but a high quality of key relationships. You have to select the right people to build relationships with, and those relationships need to be built on mutual trust and reciprocity,” she says.
Gen Z and millennials often hesitate to participate in structured social events because they often see them as additional obligations rather than opportunities for genuine human connection. But shifting this mindset could make a significant difference in their social well-being.
3. Strengthening family bonds and interaction
Although digital communication can bridge the gap in human interaction, it cannot fully replace the emotional depth of in-person visits, shared meals, and quality time.
Younger generations may benefit from intentionally prioritizing family bonds and relationships, even amidst busy schedules.
For baby boomers, family has been a cornerstone of their social support system, and this is what young people could emulate. Many play active caregiving roles, staying deeply involved in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives, which helps them maintain strong emotional connections.
4. Balancing work and social life
Demanding work schedules and financial responsibilities are major barriers to social engagement among gen Z and millennials. They often find themselves caught in a relentless cycle of work, school, and side hustles, leaving little room for socializing.
Troy Glover recognizes this challenge.
“Young people today are balancing school, jobs, and multiple responsibilities. Many of them simply don’t have the time or energy to engage in community activities,” he says.
Hammoud says there are practical ways to solve this challenge and build connections even while pursuing academic and career goals.
Ivonne Hammoud explains the practical ways to build connections while pursuing academic and career goals. Video recorded at New Moon Counselling on March 12, 2025, by Cornelius Ejimogu.
Hammoud’s strategies have proven effective for Charlton, who built a long-term friendship with one of his co-workers.
“We have similar values and interests, so it was easier for us to be friends,” Charlton says.
Mike Charlton explains how he met one of his long-term friends while working together. Audio recorded at Waterloo Public Square on Feb. 2, 2025, by Cornelius Ejimogu.
5. Recognizing loneliness as a social signal
Glover says, “Loneliness isn’t always bad; it’s a signal that you need social interaction. The challenge is acting on that signal rather than ignoring it.”
Younger people should learn from baby boomers by recognizing loneliness as a reminder to step outside, reconnect with loved ones, and engage in meaningful conversations.
“They also need to be patient with making those more intimate connections,” Hammoud says.
Ivonne Hammoud explains the importance of being patient while building deeper friendships. Video recorded at New Moon Counselling on March 12, 2025, by Cornelius Ejimogu.
The role of community in reducing loneliness
Tiffany Smith, Manager of Community Programs at the City of Waterloo, explains the initiatives the city invests in to foster social engagement.
“We know that loneliness is linked to severe health outcomes,” explains Smith. “Developing age-friendly public spaces, supporting intergenerational activities, and making programs financially and physically accessible are key strategies we use.”
Beyond just offering programs, the city prioritizes evaluating their effectiveness. Program evaluation surveys are conducted following participation in most programs, and an annual satisfaction survey helps assess impact.
One of the most recent surveys, conducted following the Senior Health Fair, provided insightful data on how these events are helping to combat isolation:
- Among 83 of the 103 respondents (84 per cent) indicated that the event helped them feel more engaged in their community, with 14 respondents remaining neutral.
- Among 76 of the 107 respondents (71 per cent) reported that the event helped reduce social isolation in the community, with 30 respondents being neutral.
The above data shows that structured, in-person programs in the city play a crucial role in fostering a sense of connection among seniors.
“We continuously seek feedback to improve our approach,” Smith adds. “For younger people, we recognize that new strategies, including digital outreach and social prescribing, may be necessary to increase participation.”
The promotion of intergenerational programs has been one of the most promising strategies in Waterloo’s community engagement efforts to make younger people more active. These programs enable youth and older adults to interact in structured activities.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in youth participation in intergenerational programs,” Smith notes. “Over the last year, when we look at our total program participants within intergenerational programs, 72 per cent of attendees are in the young adult/youth age range and 28 per cent are in the older adult age range.”
Programs that build social connection
Tiffany Smith, Manager of Community Programs at the City of Waterloo, explains the city’s efforts to foster social engagement. The video was recorded through Zoom on Feb. 4, 2025, by Conelius Ejimogu.
The City of Waterloo has launched a variety of community programs aimed at addressing loneliness and fostering engagement across generations. These initiatives range from neighbourhood gatherings to formalized health and wellness programs.
- Neighbourhood Connector Program
- Aging Well Waterloo Directory
- Pick Your Play Program for Youth
- Kids and Kids at Heart Program
- Friday Flicks Program for Older Adults
Learning from the past, building for the future
For Bob Nally and Mike Charlton, building deep connections wasn’t something that happened overnight; it was a lifetime investment.
Their stories stand in stark contrast to 15-year-old Adu-Lartey, who struggles to maintain friendships in a fast-paced, digital world. Adu-Lartey’s experience mirrors the reality of many young people today. He recognizes that loneliness exists but, like many in his generation, struggles to find time for in-person interactions.
For Adu-Lartey, the choice is still in front of him. Perhaps he’ll continue prioritizing school and work, keeping friendships in the background. Or, perhaps, the next time he has a free evening, he’ll step out – not just onto social media to chat with his old friends, but into his real-world community.
If you or anyone you know is feeling lonely, you can see different ways to get help on the Social Isolation Resources in Waterloo Region