Baycrest

18 • BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2023 Adapted from an article published in the National Post by Dr. David Conn, the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education's Vice President of Education and Co-Chair of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH), and Dr. Claire Checkland, Executive Director of the CCSMH. Loneliness has emerged as a silent epidemic. Loneliness impacts the physical and mental well-being of Canadians across all age groups. While healthcare providers are focused on diagnosing and treating medical conditions, they are also positioned to recognize and address the underlying social and emotional aspects of their patients' lives. By addressing loneliness, they can play a pivotal role in improving patient health outcomes. There is also potential to prevent many health conditions. Loneliness is more than just a fleeting emotion. It can be described as the feeling we get that our social relationships are lacking compared with what we want them to be. Numerous studies have linked loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity and even premature death. The increased risk of death from social isolation and loneliness is similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having an alcohol use disorder, according to research. At least as importantly, isolation and loneliness are known to erode an individual's sense of purpose, diminish self-esteem and reduce the ability to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours. A recent medical journal article noted that while social isolation and loneliness are rarely listed on death certificates, both of these factors may have contributed to the excess deaths from all causes observed during the pandemic. The authors suggest that clinicians require adequate training, resources and support to integrate screening, interventions and referrals into their existing responsibilities. They also note that patients' lives may be hanging in the balance. THE RATE OF LONELINESS IS ALARMING Countries around the world are raising alarm about loneliness in various ways. Based on reports of increasing numbers of lonely citizens, the British government appointed a federal Minister of Loneliness in 2018. This appointment built upon a 2011 national campaign to end loneliness. HOW HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS CAN BRIDGE THE LONELINESS GAP Numerous studies have linked loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity and even premature death.

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