LONELINESS- The New Epidemic!

Headlines today read that British People are so lonely , the Government has appointed a Minister of LONELINESS! The Prime Minister calling it a sad reality of modern life. It follows a commission report that indicated nearly 9 Million in Britain feel loneliness- a condition  that can have harmful health repercussions.

Physicians there have long warned social isolation as a growing epidemic with physical , mental and emotional consequences. Research has shown it’s associated with higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer! Worse than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Today BC’s Seniors advocate stated  that people of all ages are experiencing loneliness and it’s time our society addressed the causes. Simon Fraser University claims one in 5 Canadians experience this phenomenon but those in poverty, minorities and ones with disabilities are at higher risk. Costs to the Canadian Economy are said to be 55 Billion a year! Here’s a short video which may be helpful IF you find loneliness your only companion!