East Cooper Meals on Wheels President and CEO wrote to the Moultrie News urging the community to do more this holiday season and beyond.
“Despite our technologically connected society, people are lonelier than ever. Nowhere is social isolation and loneliness more evident than among homebound Americans. Locally, 72% of East Cooper Meals on Wheels’ recipients live alone.
Research reveals significant health impacts of social isolation and feelings of loneliness. The negative effects of loneliness on a person’s health are similar to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day—nearly a pack of cigarettes. In simple terms, being homebound means an individual generally does not leave their home because it is difficult; it’s usually due to age, illness or disability.”