Project 462098

In 1942, Canada's first Food Guide provided public health guidance for wartime food rationing. These guidelines have since evolved to be a vital source of nutritional guidance for Canadians. Decades later, Canada led the world in responding to the obesity crisis by developing physical activity guidelines for healthy active living. Lower risk substance use guidelines have also emerged to help Canadians lower risks associated with substance use. Regardless of the crisis or challenge, evidence-based guidelines provide simple, easy-to learn strategies for healthy living. As a result, many Canadians know they should eat a balanced diet, exercise 150-minutes per week, and consume alcohol and cannabis moderately. However, when it comes to their social health, most Canadians do not realize that being disconnected from others can be as dangerous as over-consuming substances, eating unhealthy foods, or living a sedentary life. With the emergence of COVID-19, Canada's social connection crisis reached a new level. Once again, we need guidelines and resources to help Canadians in their pursuit of living happier and healthier lives. This is especially true for individuals who are socially and structurally excluded from full participation in their communities. As such, this proposal aims to: (1) understand key determinants of social health and well-being among Canadians; (2) identify barriers and facilitators of social connection across the life-course; and (3) develop evidence-based social connection guidelines for the general population, with specific culturally-adapted guidelines for key populations (e.g., 2SLGBTQ+ people, Indigenous People, Racialized People, Newcomers, and People with Disability). These research activities will support the development of public awareness about the importance of social connection and accelerate the expansion of workplace, educational, and clinical interventions aiming to address loneliness and social isolation across the lifecourse.