The Connected Rural Communities Collaborative is conducting a public survey to measure the impact of social isolation.
Community Developer Matthew Maynard said social isolation has been identified as one of the things that can be a determinant of health. He added there is evidence that people who are experiencing social isolation actually have a shorter life span.
Other things can include income and transportation, but being alone or lonely can have an impact on health.
They are working with the Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre and they're hoping to collect 500 surveys from respondents in the municipalities of Lambton Shores, South Huron, Bluewater and North Middlesex.
The project involves gathering people's individual experiences -- both by survey or by interview and the interviews could be done in person.
Anyone interested in being part of the survey can call him at 519-262-3459 ext. 213 to schedule an interview or contact him by email at mmaynard@gbchc.com.
The survey can also be taken online at www.gbachc.ca/connected-rural-communities.
