There’s another pandemic happening alongside COVID-19: loneliness, especially among older adults. Researchers have found that wisdom, empathy, and accepting the uncertainty of life are three key tools that can help people protect themselves from feelings of isolation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly reconfigured the world as we know it – and a mental health crisis could be waiting in its aftermath. Canvas8 spoke to Staci K. Haines, the author of The Politics of Trauma, to understand how the outbreak is set to challenge and change our emotional wellbeing.

Gen Yers may be known for their social media savviness, but this online connectivity isn't mitigating loneliness, with more than one in five feeling as if they have no friends. As more and more aspects of life go digital, young people are looking for ways to connect on a deeper, more human level.

With older adults still sheltering in place, the risk of prolonged loneliness and social isolation is high. Improved digital literacy isn’t just helping them stay connected and engaged, but enabling other aspects of everyday life, from shopping and entertainment to managing finances and healthcare.