Page 4 - LGW Summer Newsletter 2023

4 LANSDOWNE NEWS, SUMMER 2023

Health & 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 Telegraph which recognises that individuals’ experiences of
loneliness and social isolation are unique. This
involves finding ways for seniors to engage in society,
The festive season conjures images of families remain active and, where possible, retain a degree of
gathered around roast dinners, adorned in paper hats independence.
and cheerily arguing over bon bons. But sadly, for Dedicated communities are a solution to create
many senior Australians, December amplifies the connection, alleviate isolation, and strengthen care –
feelings of loneliness or social isolation experienced a fact which has been proven time and time again.
throughout the year.
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. The maintain a tight-knit community and those who live
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 those retirement villages or aged care facilities makes them
aged 65 and over predicted to represent more than a the ideal place to make new and lasting connections.
fifth of the population by 2066 – this issue requires our When coupled with activities that enrich health and
attention. Particularly considering the physical toll wellbeing, such as fitness classes, hydrotherapy pools
loneliness takes on us. – excursions and social and lifestyle activities,
Studies compare the impacts of loneliness to smoking dopamine is released, self-esteem is boosted and as a
15 cigarettes per day. The World Health Organisation result, feelings of loneliness and social isolation are
says social isolation and exclusion are associated with reduced.
“increased rates of premature death, lower general In the lead up to Christmas, we must focus on raising
well-being, more depression, and a higher level of public awareness around loneliness, eliminating
disability from chronic diseases”. stigma and minimising feelings of isolation throughout
Of course, the issue isn’t exclusive to our ageing the continuum of care. This should be a primary
population, but it’s acutely felt by this group, given public health priority – not just for policymakers and
many lack the technological skills required to maintain those in the industry, but for all of us.
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.