Meaningful connection needed to combat loneliness
Recent research suggests that “loneliness” — the feeling that our connections to others are not as meaningful or plentiful as they should be — has a significant impact on our health. According to an article in the Toronto Star (Lonely? You’re far from alone), loneliness can be worse for your health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being obese. Overall, the article claims, loneliness “increases the likelihood of an early death by 26 per cent” and “is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression and anxiety.”
These insights into the health impacts of loneliness lend urgency to the work of agencies such as Community Support Services of Niagara and Quest Community Health Centre that support isolated seniors. We need to redouble our efforts to overcome a number of challenges in supporting these vulnerable individuals.
If we’re going to be helpful to isolated seniors we’re going to have to do a number of things better.
First, we’re going to have to help people understand that loneliness is not just a psychological “mood,” but also a very real influence on our physical health.
Second, we’re going to need to be more effective in identifying and reaching people who are isolated and/or lonely. Part of this involves removing the stigma on loneliness, so that people are willing to admit that they are lonely. Another is heightened awareness so that anyone who suspects a person is lonely can encourage the person to talk to health care providers about their situation.
Third, we need to be better at identifying current or potential supports for people who are isolated. Professionals tend to know of other professionals involved with the same person, but may not be aware of other, informal supports, such as family members, neighbours, friends, and volunteers. This latter mix of individuals may in fact be what is standing between the person living a well-balanced life of meaningful connections and social interactions or living a life of loneliness
Fourth, we need to have the ability to bring the isolated person together with these others in their life to come up with a coordinated plan for who is going to do what by when. This means connecting “formal” care providers with “informal” supports, where they exist. And possibly finding or creating them, when they don’t.
The coordinated plan needs to include any changes to the person’s living arrangements, or acquisition of any aids and devices, to keep the isolated person at home and safe.
In addition, there are two other things that would be very helpful in reducing the health impact of loneliness on isolated seniors: some flexible funding to support the development and implementation of the coordinated plan, and an individual to support the whole process.
The late Mother Teresa reminded us, “Loneliness is the most terrible poverty.”
As a community we have a responsibility to be aware of this issue and ensure things are done differently to address it. As individuals we can positively contribute to the daily lives of seniors who are experiencing loneliness. Visit, call and engage seniors in a meaningful way. Actively listen, respond and offer your support. The benefits are mutually rewarding
For more information about community and social services dial 2-1-1. 211 Specialists will help you to navigate and connect to the services that you need. You can also search online for local service information at www.incommunities.ca. Contributing writers: Coletta McGrath, is the executive director, Quest Community Health Centre and Carolyn Askeland is executive director, Community Support Services of Niagara