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The loneliness epidemic

If you feel lonely, you are not alone. Media outlets from around the world continue to report on the 'loneliness epidemic' as a major risk to optimal health.  Mounting research evidence confirms that social connections are a fundamental human need - crucial to both wellbeing and survival. Loneliness and social isolation are linked to depression, cognitive decline, decreased mobility and early death.  Many people feel lonely and lose social connections as they age. Read our resources on this topic, including evidence-based insights and tips around the importance of social engagement.

Featured Resources

  1. Blog Post: Social isolation: what is it and why is it important to your health?
  2. Blog Post: Loneliness hurts. How to recognize loneliness as a health concern.
  3. Blog Post: Congratulations, you’ve finally reached retirement…now what?
  4. Blog Post: Combat loneliness and depression by sharing memories: Relive those glory days!
  5. Blog Post: Want to be come more physically active? Start by joining a walking group
  6. Web Resource Rating: Social isolation: How to help patients be less lonely
  7. Evidence Summary: Reminiscence therapy can reduce social isolation and depression in people living in urban residential aged-care facilities

  8. Evidence Summary: Meaningful social roles may improve health and well-being for people in retirement

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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of these blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations such as social distancing and frequent hand washing. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with current social distancing recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.

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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.

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