Page 4 - LG Summer Newsletter 2023

4 LANSDOWNE NEWS, SUMMER 2023

Health and Wellbeing

Christmas Loneliness: Combatting the Silent Epidemic for Ageing Australians

Lee Carissa, CEO, Cranbrook Care We need a considered, multi-disciplinary approach

This article originally appeared in The Daily which recognises that individuals’ experiences of
Telegraph loneliness and social isolation are unique. This
involves finding ways for seniors to engage in
society, remain active and, where possible, retain
The festive season conjures images of families a degree of independence.
gathered around roast dinners, adorned in paper
hats and cheerily arguing over bon bons. But sadly, Dedicated communities are a solution to create
for many senior Australians, December amplifies the connection, alleviate isolation, and strengthen
feelings of loneliness or social isolation experienced care – a fact which has been proven time and time
throughout the year. again. The recent media interest in blue zones – or
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and regions with the highest number of people aged
Welfare shows approximately 15 per cent of older over 100 - has found a correlation between people
men and 20 per cent of older women feel lonely. who maintain a tight-knit community and those
The figure could in fact be much higher due to the who live 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
physical toll loneliness takes on us. enrich health and wellbeing, such as fitness
classes, hydrotherapy pools – excursions and social
Studies compare the impacts of loneliness to and lifestyle activities, dopamine is released, self-
smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The World Health esteem is boosted and as a result, feelings of
Organisation says social isolation and exclusion are loneliness and 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
population, but it’s acutely felt by this group, given just for policymakers and those in the industry, but
many lack the technological skills required to for all 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.