Canadian organization combats loneliness | CTV News [Video]

For some people the holidays are lonely time of year, but a Canadian organization is fostering a “human connection movement” in an effort to bring people together.

Peter Bombaci is the founder of GenWell, an organization that aims to deepen understanding of issues surrounding isolation disconnection and loneliness according to its website.

“It’s something that we’ve not really educated people on but when we look at what the negative complications are from chronic or persistent loneliness it can increase heart disease, early on-set dementia, diabetes, suicide, addiction, obesity, cancer, so many things because it creates inflammation in the body,” Bombaci said.

Bombaci started GenWell eight years ago because he believes in the power of human connection to heal many physical and mental illnesses. He said the research shows that human connection is the single greatest contributor to your happiness, according to an 85-year study at Harvard.

“It reduces your anxiety and depression, increases empathy, compassion and resilience at a …