Social connection is just as important for health as physical activity, according to a report released by Vancouver Coastal Health last week.
A survey of 33, 0000 people conducted in 2013-2014 by My Health My Community found that lower mainland residents who feel connected to their community are 2.6 times more likely to report being in good health and 3.2 times more likely to report good mental health. In fact, the report states that people with weak social connections have a 50 per cent greater risk of death than those with stronger connections – an effect on mortality as strong as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
While those with at least seven people to confide in are 70 per cent more likely to report good health, the report found that 43 per cent of residents in the Fraser Health district reported a “low” or “very low” sense of community belonging.
That’s a big concern, according to Fraser Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Ingrid Tyler.
“The data suggests that some of our residents are experiencing poor social connections which can affect their overall health,” said Tyler in a media release. “We are committed to working with communities and other partners to maximize the health of all our residents”
The health authority is working with communities in the region through Healthy Community Partnerships, but what opportunities exist for social connection in the Agassiz Harrison area?
Agassiz Harrison Community Services (AHCS) Friendly Phone program has been connecting seniors and home-dwellers in the area with volunteers since 1997, but in the last two years the program has hard a time attracting volunteers and participants, says director Sheila Robertson.
The issue, she said, is getting people to answer the phone in the first place.
“Once we have them on the program, there’s no problem,” she said. “But lately it has been so hard to get people on the [program] because when I phone they don’t recognize the call sign from community services – AHCS.”
Robertson thinks phone scams have led to many seniors avoiding unknown calls, but she wants to assure them that a call from community services is safe and trustworthy.
With Friendly Phone, volunteers call participants twice a week for five to ten minute chats.
“It allows them an outlet…because everything is confidential,” Robertson said. “Sometimes it allows the seniors to maybe voice their opinion or complain or whatever they feel better telling a stranger [about] as opposed to a family member who they may not want to open up to.”
The program is private, confidential and completely non-judgmental. Robertson said one of the perks is that it allows for social connection without the need to leave your home.
“This Friendly Phone is a social connection from phone to phone. They don’t have to open up their door or they won’t have to wash and dress for a visitor,” she said. “They can answer the phone and have their hair uncombed. It’s just talking on the phone.”
To learn more about or register for the Friendly Phone program, call (604) 796-2585.