Loneliness has existed long before living through a pandemic!
In my work with the Windsor Essex Compassion Care Community, I learned from a researcher, Julianne Holt-Lunstad that loneliness can be as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day! This can actually equate to 15 years off of a lifespan! (Pomeroy). Even prior to the pandemic we know that 1 in 5 individuals will admit to feeling consistently lonely. We all experience loneliness during life and living through a pandemic presents explicit challenges. Being connected promotes happiness, wellbeing, longevity and helps us to feel valued. I have also learned that being connected along with preventing or overcoming loneliness takes a conscious plan and a commitment to not only build but also to maintain relationships that are important to us. Beyond self, we can all make a difference too by supporting others who we know are experiencing isolation and loneliness. If we all reached out to at least one person – what a difference our world could be! Being connected and preventing loneliness promotes compassion in our world. We can all make a difference for self and others!
Please join us on Wednesday, April 21 from 7:00-8:00pm for a Free Virtual Education session: The Importance of Connection! with Diane Mulcaster, RN, MHS.
