Editorial: New campaign is to be lauded - Kilkenny Live

It has been a strange few years, to put it mildly with a pandemic, a war in Europe and soaring food and fuel costs.

Few could have predicted it, but communities have been resilient and unwavering in devising coping strategies and putting in place mechanisms to help and support each other.

As the pandemic slowly fades into the past it is timely that a new campaign is being launched to combat loneliness and isolation among older people.

In an open letter from the Chief Medical Officer Professor Breda Smyth to older people in Ireland she remarked that it is now almost three years since the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly brought the shutters down on people’s everyday lives. The CMO thanked people for complying with public health measures during the pandemic and stresses the importance of rebuilding ‘the connections that may have been lost during the pandemic’.

Social connection is key to combatting isolation and finding contentment - Kilkenny Live

“We know that many people still feel apprehensive about getting out and about. So, I would like to offer my reassurance that today we are – thankfully – in a much better place. We have access to safe, effective vaccines. We know these vaccines save lives and help protect us from the worst effects of Covid-19. Your vaccinations offer a high level of protection, so you can feel safe while engaging with others,” she said.

We have lived through unprecedented times and now it is important that we support each other as we return to normality and have trust in our medics that the virus is no longer a significant threat.
The CMO encourages us to spend time with our loved ones, rejoin local clubs or activities and get involved in your local community.

“All of us can play our part, by reaching out to the older people in our lives. Their wisdom and experience can only enrich life for us all,” said Prof Smyth.
She is absolutely right, so reach out and make that connection.