Post Card Writing Program
Most of society know to some level what being lonely means – however what is lessor known are the very real and tangible negative impacts to our Mental Health and Neurobiology that loneliness can create.
During the COVID 19 lockdowns the prevalence of loneliness and the psychological impacts of social isolation became news-worthy enough to be broadcasted within the mainstream media. However, loneliness and isolation were on the rise long before the pandemic – the lockdowns just served to worsen the issue. In order for the brain to remain as healthy as possible (especially in the elderly population) it needs to be stimulated and exercised just like any other muscle in the body. Activities such as joining in a card game, chatting on the phone with a friend, reading, walking around the block etc all help to support the development, sustainment and strengthening of vital neuro-connections. This is through stimulation of the senses include Auditory, Visual, Taste and more. Additionally as human beings, the connection with others is equally as critical for our Brain health whether it be in person, over the phone, or as a last resort by writing. When we decrease our social connections, our Brain health can really become poorly. Especially during the lockdowns, connection over computer or smart phone screens became more frequent. Although it was better than nothing, it has created a noticeable over reliance within society on devices, and instead of families visiting relatives or individual’s leaving their houses- a lot of people are remaining in their houses now lacking stimulation, because of the availability/convenience of screens.
___________________________________________________________________________
I had a conversation recently with Psychologist Dr. Braden Dunn, Clinical Psychologist of Dunne Psychology based upstairs of TSMP where he shared this informed reflection and suggestions:
‘Societal changes (like increased use of technology and work-from-home lifestyles) are having a very felt impact on how we interact. Consequently, fewer people these days report feeling like they are connected to their communities, neighbourhoods, or even friends or family. This is troubling as those reporting loneliness are also typically at greater risk for poor mental health. The longer a person stays isolated, the more difficult it can be to feel confident to ‘get back out there’. Loneliness can affect anyone, no matter their age or situation. However, the solutions to this problem are very similar. Interacting online isn’t unhelpful, but humans have an intrinsic need for face-to-face connections. In person contact activates our brains in totally different ways than can ever be achieved through online chats”.
So what can we do about this epidemic of loneliness that affects many areas of society and improve our brain health?
_________________________________________________________________________________
There is actually a way you can help others to decrease their experience of loneliness and help support cognitive health- as well as your own! As Dr. Braden recommends “Consider getting out of your comfort zone by joining a team sport, by volunteering, or getting involved in something extra at your work or school”.
Community Gro Garbutt coordinate wonderfully impactful programs specifically targeting isolation and loneliness in both our community and within Residential Aged Care Facilities (also known as Nursing Homes) where loneliness is especially prevalent.
The Community Gro's "Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme" (funded by the Australian Government) facilitates a Post Card Writing program, an incredible initiative that sees Residential Aged Care Residents receive regular postcards from members of the Townsville community. Under the guidance of Community Gro workers (including suggestions for post-card content), volunteers are supported to establish relationships with aged care residents via the Postcard program. The program is wonderfully inclusive, and even residents with severe cognitive impairments who unfortunately can no longer write back- are still eligible to be recipients of the regular postcards. Being the recipient of a postcard and having it read to them provides vital cognitive and psychological stimulation and the assurance that a resident is not forgotten by the community therefore still experiencing a certain level of social connection. This is incredibly powerful and its impact immense. Authors can draft their cards at home, however those postcard authors involved in the program get together once a fortnight to write the cards and submit them to Community Gro for distribution- which again creates further social engagement opportunities for the authors themselves! This activity helps the authors to stay cognitively and psychologically healthy as well! These postcards are distributed by the Community Gro Team at no cost to you.
If you have time up your sleeve and would like to help even more (even if it is 1 extra hour a fortnight ) there are a team of volunteers who provide visitation support to residential aged care facilities- who would love to hear from you. However, if writing post cards is more up your alley- that’s ok too!
Please contact Chris Price at Community Gro Garbutt- 07 47797268 / 0428 094 300
___________________________________________________________________________
Even without pandemics sweeping across the nation, social isolation and loneliness can creep up on us all and it’s impact on our brain health tangible and significant- no matter what our age. It’s never too late to start to strengthen your brain health. Have a chat with your GP during your next appointment about how you personally can improve your brain health, and Dr. Braden (Clinical Psych) is available if you would like to explore improving your psychological health.