In 2026, I have high hopes for connection at Unison. Maybe you are a regular at our Wednesday live band dances, or maybe you’ve been curious about one of our in-person or online courses. We have something for everyone, and what we aim for is to reduce loneliness and isolation for older adults. There’s a lot of important and interesting health information to back that idea up. Dr. Vivek Murthy is a prominent American physician and public health leader who served as the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States. Recently Dr. Murthy wrote the book- Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes-Lonely World. Dr. Murthy argues that loneliness is as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It contributes to increased risks of heart disease, depression, anxiety, dementia, and premature death. Loneliness is widespread and affects people across all demographics.
At Unison, we know a little about loneliness. In fact, at Unison at Veiner Centre and Unison at Kerby centre, most of our programs and events are designed to combat isolation and loneliness.
As we move into a New Year, some of you may be facing a new reality, coping with loss of a friend or a relative. If you lost your spouse a year ago, I imagine the last thing you want to do is jump in the car and head out for a road trip to Jasper, but maybe it is exactly what you need most. Our staff and volunteers are continuously planning and organizing all sorts of daytrips. Unison Veiner Centre takes regular trips to Rosebud and different markets. Unison at Kerby Centre hosted a flash mob last summer, and we take trips to Banff. You can invite a friend to join you on one of our bus trips. You can sit back, relax, and let us do the driving. Or, if you’re feeling bold, sign up for an adventure and see who you meet along the way. You know what will happen if you don’t go. Dr. Murthy would remind us that a social outing is good for your health.
Did I mention that we are hosting a Mediterranean Cruise this year? This event is open to members in Calgary and Medicine Hat. Some of the registered adventurers are coming alone, and some are coming with a friend. Staff will be there as well to guide your experience, and it’s going to be a memorable event. A cruise ship offers plenty of opportunity for fresh air, sightseeing, and the feeling that you’re being looked after. All of that is sure to be a boost to your mental and physical health.
Speaking of health, if you sign up for one of our classes like Steady Moves or Feet to the Beat, make sure you invite one of your classmates to hang around for a coffee with you at the Veiner Bistro or the Kerby Café. The fitness classes are great for your health and the community and friendship you are building afterwards will double your health outcomes.
