Today Jan. 30 is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a day that recognizes the importance of mental health and encourages each of us to confront stigma and invite open conversations.
Starting a conversation about mental health can be daunting, but one area that many people can relate to when it comes to mental health is the topic of loneliness. According to the Fountain of Health, an online health promotion program and app, social activity is one of five important steps to take to enhance your health and wellness.
Shannon Paul-Jost, Interior Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gerontology, says loneliness is a growing health concern particularly for those over 50 years old: up to 29 per cent of older adults living independently within communities experience loneliness on a regular or daily basis.
“For most people, but particularly for older adults, being lonely can have significant and profound mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health impacts. Research shows that older adults who experience loneliness have higher rates of mortality and are at an increased risk of depression and some chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and high blood pressure,” says Shannon.
“Older adults that experience loneliness have other associated risks, such as premature nursing home admission. They have poorer health practices such as alcohol use and smoking, are less physically active, have lower quality sleep and are at risk for cognitive decline.”
Often people fear opening up conversations with older adults about loneliness, as they don’t feel equipped to deal with the information they are being told.
Be willing to listen without judgment, be kind and compassionate, and be open to conversation. For information check out the Conversation Guide from the Bell Let’s Talk Day Toolkit.
So go ahead, reach out and start a conversation. You might learn something that changes your perspective.
Feature photo: “What mental wellness means to me” submitted by the team at Cedar Sage clinic in Kelowna to mark Bell Let’s Talk Day.
