The Globe reported that in the 2016 census,
more than 28% of Canadians live alone and that the category of single person
households is now the largest group in Canada. (In Germany over 40% of people
live alone.)
I subscribe to a blog from McMaster that
reports on research about the effects of aging.
This week the blog was entitled “The Loneliness Epidemic.” Loneliness is a risk to health linked to
depression and cognitive decline. Social
connections are crucial but, studies show, can decline as people age.
Guess what the solution is! Join a walking group. Research shows that in
addition to the health benefits, people in walking groups had lower depression
rates than those who didn’t. The studies
were done with people whose average age was 58.
They had existing health issues like arthritis.
I don’t really need convincing that TPW is
good for my mental health but it’s nice to have it confirmed!
