We’re approaching Loneliness Awareness Week (5-11 August), an important date in the calendar to promote the importance of social connections to our health and wellbeing.
Loneliness is considered one of the greatest social issues of our time. Evidence shows that human beings are social creatures, relying on connection to each other and community, not just for support, but for our sense of purpose and meaning of life.
But 1 in 4 of us experience problematic loneliness.
Best described as the gap between the social connections we want and those we have, individuals experience loneliness differently. What is common to us all is that loneliness is a significant risk factor for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease. hypertension, obesity, addiction and substance abuse, anxiety and depression.
Researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad found that loneliness was worse for our health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and that while social connections are the greatest predictor of longevity, most people rank them poorly as a factor in managing their health.
That’s why raising awareness through Loneliness Awareness Week is so important and why programs like Healthy Me, Healthy Community, Healthy North Coast’s social prescribing program in Port Macquarie, are so important to addressing some of the region’s most prevalent chronic conditions.
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is a globally recognised, contemporary approach to health care where health professionals consider the social determinants of health as an important factor in improving health outcomes, looking at the root cause of poor health rather than the symptoms.
Where appropriate, patients are referred to trained link workers to focus on ‘what matters’ instead of ‘what’s the matter?’, and are supported to connect with activities, groups and services in a person-centred approach.
Global studies show social prescribing can result in significantly improved health outcomes for individuals, reductions in health service usage and stronger, more connected communities.
Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 year plan proposes social prescribing as a key action area to improve access to appropriate care for people at risk of poorer health outcomes. There are currently more than 20 social prescribing programs operating throughout Australia.
For an example of social prescribing in action, read Erika’s story (written by Feros Care).