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

This week marks the launch of a new multimedia campaign aimed at combatting loneliness and isolation among older people and we all have a part to play in its success.

Entitled ‘Hello Again World', the campaign was created to address the growing problem of loneliness. The issue has been exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, as many older people have not re-established their social connections since they were asked to cocoon for their safety. The effects of successive lockdowns have been immense on our wellbeing.

While many of us have returned to relative normality and have left the pandemic in the past, many of the older members in our community remain fearful of the virus and are slow to return to social activities as they worry about catching Covid.
This new campaign is actively encouraging the elderly in our community to get out and about and to connect and spend time with other. We need to help and support each other in doing this - simple gestures and acts of kindness can gently make it all a lot easier so be mindful of others and check in on them as we move forward and engage and connect with each other.

New legislation will see credit unions grow - Kilkenny TD

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Breda Smyth spoke at the launch and reassured people that if you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and take normal sensible precautions, you can be assured that you have a high level of protection, so you can safely enjoy social occasions and activities in your local community.

Also launching the campaign was the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly; Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler and the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton.

Loneliness has a significant impact on physical and mental health and is linked to multiple chronic health conditions.
Supported by Healthy Ireland, the ‘Hello Again World’ campaign aims to empower and motivate older people to do something positive for their health by re-engaging with their communities and increasing their social connections.

“Reconnecting with others is so important for overall health and wellbeing,” said Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly. “I know that older people, in particular, paid a high price during the pandemic as they were the first group that were asked to cocoon. Understandably, they may feel nervous about re-engaging socially but it’s a very positive step for health as it helps combat loneliness.

“Communities around the country offer so many wonderful activities for older people and I’ve experienced first-hand the vibrant atmosphere that helps promote positive ageing. Today I’m encouraging them to make a healthy decision and reconnect with the world around them.”

Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler said:

“This campaign is especially aimed at older members of our society, who may have found themselves at a great risk of loneliness and isolation over the past couple of years. They don’t have to continue feeling lonely, as there are so many opportunities to connect with others in communities around the country.

“We can all play our part in helping older people to feel more connected and encouraging them to get involved in enjoyable activities that help promote good health.”

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton said:

“Loneliness and isolation affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. The negative impact on physical and mental health should not be under-estimated.

“Equally, the positive effect of social connections needs to be appreciated, so we can all help spread the message that engaging with your community is the best thing you can do for your health today.”

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Breda Smyth said:

“There are many behaviours that impact on the health challenges we face, and in taking steps to reduce loneliness we can help make a big difference to our physical and mental health and reduce our risk of chronic conditions.

“Socialising is good for us, and I’d like to reassure people that it is safe to do so while taking sensible precautions.”
Now is a good time for us all to take the time to talk to each other and make an effort to spend quality with friends and family. If the pandemic taught us anything it is that time is the currency which matters most and the value of relationships with each other."