Community Connections is IN TRANSITION. This means it is currently offering limited services, waiting for new funding to start a new chapter at full capacity. While in transitions, remember:
1. Deliveries of Meals on Wheels and Red Bistro frozen soups continue, free of charge to seniors ordering both in combination, or MOWs only.
2. The Friendly Drives Program continues at limited capacity, offering seniors free-of-charge rides to medical appointments outside of St. Albert.
3. The Friendly Visiting Program is still on and every effort will be made to help isolated seniors or those at risk of becoming socially isolated access a person to visit them weekly.
Contact Program Manager Cruz Pinzon for more information and/or updates.
Loneliness and social isolation can have significant negative impacts on both mental and physical health.
Here are some of the key risks associated with these conditions:
- Depression and Anxiety: Sustained feelings of loneliness can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Suicidality and Self-harm: There’s an increased risk for suicidality and self-harm among those who experience chronic loneliness.
- Heart Disease and Stroke: Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Type 2 Diabetes: There’s an increased risk for type 2 diabetes among those who are socially isolated.
- Weakened Immune System: Social isolation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Obesity: There’s a higher risk for obesity among those who are socially isolated.
- Dementia: Chronic loneliness can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Earlier Death: Lack of social connections can increase your risk of premature death to levels that are similar to people who smoke daily.
