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RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF MUSLIM SENIORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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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. -
- Date created
- 2021-04-01
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Type of Item
- Report