media release
51社区黑料leads creation of national guidelines for social connection – a public health issue worse than smoking
A network of Canadian experts, led by a professor at 51社区黑料, have developed the first national guidelines for social connection to tackle a public health challenge that does more harm than obesity, sedentary living and even smoking.
With social disconnection increasing the odds of premature death among people by 30 per cent (the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day) and 69 per cent of Canadians saying they know someone who is chronically lonely, 51社区黑料health sciences assistant professor Kiffer Card says there鈥檚 an urgent need to address the often-ignored crisis.
New recommended provide the tools to foster healthy social lives at the individual and community levels.
鈥淟oneliness is not merely a feeling of sadness; it is a serious public health issue that demands our immediate attention,鈥� says Card, who led the development of the guidelines through and the . 鈥淥ur research demonstrates that social isolation is harmful regardless of whether individuals feel lonely, highlighting the universal need for meaningful social connections.鈥�
The group created two sets of guidelines, one for individuals and the other for communities (such as policy makers at national, provincial and local levels).
The guidelines for individuals encourage people to make social connection a priority through their lives, cultivate social confidence and build strong social networks with a variety of relationships.
The community guidelines focus on building environments that invest in social events, activities and programs for people, enshrine social connection in policies and practices and improve accessibility and inclusion in neighbourhoods.
Card initiated a comprehensive project to create national public health guidelines for social connection three years ago.
The initiative involved convening approximately 100 of the world鈥檚 leading experts on social connection and loneliness, reviewing over 4,500 academic research papers, and producing 50 evidence briefs to inform the guidelines.
Card emphasizes the guidelines are a crucial advancement in public health, aiming to address a fundamental but often overlooked determinant of well-being.
鈥淚mplementing these guidelines may present challenges, but the potential benefits for individual and societal health are immense,鈥� he says. 鈥淏y prioritizing social connection, we can combat the rising mental health crises, reduce healthcare costs, and build a more resilient and cohesive society.鈥�
With the guidelines now published, Card hopes to engage with governments, public health officials and communities across Canada to see them adopted across the country.
鈥淕enWell is thrilled to see the Canadian social connection guidelines brought to life through the tireless work of Dr. Card and the 100 researchers who contributed to their development,鈥� says Pete Bombaci, CEO and founder of GenWell. 鈥淭hese guidelines support the work and mission that GenWell has been leading since 2016 鈥� to build a more connected Canada where everyone thrives.鈥�
The group has also been in talks with the World Health Organization to expand their reach beyond Canada.
AVAILABLE 51社区黑料EXPERTS
KIFFER CARD, assistant professor, Blanche and Charlie Beckerman Scholar for Public Health Innovation, health sciences
kcard@sfu.ca
CONTACT
MATT KIELTYKA, SFU Communications & Marketing
236.880.2187 | matt_kieltyka@sfu.ca
51社区黑料
|
778.782.3210
ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
51社区黑料is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Over the past 60 years, 51社区黑料has been recognized among the top universities worldwide in providing a world-class education and working with communities and partners to develop and share knowledge for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. Committed to excellence in everything we do, 51社区黑料fosters innovation to address global challenges and continues to build a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. With campuses in British Columbia鈥檚 three largest cities鈥擝urnaby, Surrey and Vancouver鈥�51社区黑料has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs for more than 37,000 students each year. The university boasts more than 200,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.