Search

The Pandemic has severely limited seniors’ involvement in their local mosques. Mosques are spaces where seniors congregate to find spiritual comfort and social support. Leadership at Al-Rashid Mosque in Edmonton, Alberta, reported a decline in the wellbeing of seniors during the pandemic. This one-year project began in April of 2021 with the primary goal of supporting Muslim seniors in the local community. A survey and phone interviews were used to gather information on Muslim seniors’ experiences during the pandemic and identify urgent needs. Data collected was analyzed and shared with the mosque leadership to inform senior-focused programming. A key finding was seniors’ experiences of loneliness and social isolation during pandemic lock-downs and the desire to return to in-person mosque-based activities. A community liaison was hired at the mosque to support the return of seniors to inperson activities. The mosque initiated several social, health and religious activities for seniors. This report provides an overview of the findings from the survey and interviews and a summary of the activities completed to date with Al-Rashid Ladies Seniors Group.