What's on your Holiday WISH LIST?

The Relentless RoundUp - Holiday Edition

What’s on your Holiday WISH LIST?

I admit, as a country girl, I pine for the days of the Sears Christmas Catalogue arriving in the mailbox. The gleeful anticipation of ‘dog-earing’ pages in the hope that Mom, or Santa’s elves, would take notice.

If Santa could deliver one magical gift to you this year, what would it be?

As many of us sign off for a few days to spend with friends and family, I want to challenge you to think about the seniors in your universe. The former colleague long retired, that elder statesman on one of your boards, perhaps your mentor from the early days of your career, a teacher you have lost contact with over the years, or the elderly neighbor you may have never exchanged words with, only friendly waves. Consider reaching out to them.

You may be amazed at how many people you are connected to, personally or professionally, may simply be wishing for the gift of a visit or a call. Not a text. Not a message via social media. But a live connection.

MENTAL HEALTH AND LONELINESS

Social isolation is tough at any time. It can be even more devastating during the holidays when we all assume that everyone is ‘taken care of’ or have made plans.

Here is the clinical reality check - for the senior population, social isolation and loneliness increases the risk of being diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses, often first presenting as depression. Furthermore, researchers have confirmed a clear link between physical isolation and coronary heart disease.

Many studies have confirmed that social isolation and loneliness increase premature mortality by at least 25% across all age groups due to the negative impact on mental health.

Imagine how much deeper the loneliness might feel over the next couple of weeks. Imagine the impact of a visit, a simple connection.

ROBOPETS UNDER THE TREE?

Thoughts of seniors and solving their loneliness was on my mind during the November CDL West health session a few weeks ago.  It was exciting to see Creative Destruction Labs bringing together everything for a lover of health investing, however, it was my anticipation of meeting Jennie that was making me giddy. 

Jennie is a robot. A very lifelike robotic dog, a ‘robopet’, developed to be a companion.

We are all just getting to know Jennie, but I can tell you definitively that my triggered release of oxytocin was real. Oxytocin is sometimes known as the "cuddle hormone" or the "love hormone" because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially. I admit, I bonded with Jennie after mere minutes engaging with her.

Excited to see Jennie’s early impact on socially isolated seniors as well as individuals with dementia; and for youth struggling with anxiety, the potential calming effects.  

Alas, Jennie is not yet available to arrive under this year’s tree.

MENTOR MAGIC

At the same time of meeting Jennie, I was introduced to Ombu (probably one of the coolest names ever). As I learned from Ombu, her parents were compelled to name her after a large herbaceous South American tree (Ombu = Phytolacca dioica) and she just rolls with it.

Honoured to have Ombu, a grade 10 student, as my shadow for the day. CDL’s High School Girls Mentoring program warms my science teacher heart. Props to CDL for continuing to build on the commitment to inspire young women through tactile exposure to innovation.

I hazard to guess Ombu’s favourite part of her CDL day was also meeting Jennie.

RELENTLESS IN THE NEW YEAR

Team Relentless is dedicated to investing in preventative health and proactive technology solutions that optimize health, activity and longevity. Even if facing mental health challenges, or a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, the Relentless team believes in the possibility of being vibrant and active at every age. And we believe that digital technologies are the ultimate enablers. We look forward to continuing the health journey together into the next decade.

Have a wonderful holiday and please, consider reaching out to the seniors in your universe. Sometimes we get too far away from what it means to be connected as humans. Let’s collectively dial down our technology engagement for a few days, and amp up kindness.

On behalf of Team Relentless, wishing you a memorable, heart and health-focused launch to 2020!

Brenda