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4 BELLA VISTA NEWS, SUMMER 2023
Health & Wellbeing
Christmas Loneliness: Combatting the Silent Epidemic for Ageing Australians
Lee Carissa, CEO, Cranbrook Care
This article originally appeared in The Daily We need a considered, multi-disciplinary approach
Telegraph which recognises that individuals’ experiences of
loneliness and social isolation are unique. This
involves finding ways for seniors to engage in
The festive season conjures images of families society, remain active and, where possible, retain a
gathered around roast dinners, adorned in paper
degree of independence.
hats and cheerily arguing over bon bons. But sadly,
for many senior Australians, December amplifies the Dedicated communities are a solution to create
connection, alleviate isolation, and strengthen care
feelings of loneliness or social isolation experienced
throughout the year. – a fact which has been proven time and time again.
The recent media interest in blue zones – or regions
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and
with the highest number of people aged over 100 -
Welfare shows approximately 15 per cent of older has found a correlation between people who
men and 20 per cent of older women feel lonely.
maintain a tight-knit community and those who live
The figure could in fact be much higher due to the the longest.
associated stigma.
The uplifting spirit of likeminded communities,
Given this demographic is growing in size – with
retirement villages or aged care facilities makes
those aged 65 and over predicted to represent more them the ideal place to make new and lasting
than a fifth of the population by 2066 – this issue
connections. When coupled with activities that
requires our attention. Particularly considering the enrich health and wellbeing, such as fitness classes,
physical toll loneliness takes on us.
hydrotherapy pools – excursions and social and
Studies compare the impacts of loneliness to lifestyle activities, dopamine is released, self-esteem
smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The World Health is boosted and as a result, feelings of loneliness and
Organisation says social isolation and exclusion are social isolation are reduced.
associated with “increased rates of premature In the lead up to Christmas, we must focus on
death, lower general well-being, more depression, raising public awareness around loneliness,
and a higher level of disability from chronic
eliminating stigma and minimising feelings of
diseases”.
isolation throughout the continuum of care. This
Of course, the issue isn’t exclusive to our ageing should be a primary public health priority – not just
population, but it’s acutely felt by this group, given for policymakers and those in the industry, but for all
many lack the technological skills required to of us.
maintain contact with loved ones, and feel loss at
.
the disintegration of their social lives. However,
simply feeling sorry for those who are suffering
doesn’t help.
