RIPPLE

**RIPPLE Comment** According to Vancouver Sun (recognized source), a pedestrian fatality in New Westminster has been reported, with the victim being an elderly individual (Vancouver Sun, 2023). This incident is part of a growing concern for road safety and its impact on vulnerable populations. The causal chain begins with the direct effect of the accident, which may contribute to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation among seniors in the community. As word of the tragedy spreads, it could lead to a short-term decrease in social connections among elderly residents, as they become more hesitant to engage in outdoor activities due to safety concerns (short-term effect). In the long term, this might result in a decline in mental health outcomes for seniors in New Westminster, exacerbating existing issues related to loneliness and isolation. The domains affected by this event include: * Aging Population and Elder Care * Social Connection and Mental Health This RIPPLE comment is based on an event report from a recognized news source. The uncertainty lies in the potential long-term effects of such incidents on community dynamics and mental health outcomes for seniors, as individual responses to trauma can vary greatly.

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Phys.org (emerging source, 65/100 credibility tier), an experiment conducted by researchers at Radboud University has found that encouraging students to socialize at an early stage can prevent loneliness among this group. The direct cause of this effect is the intervention's focus on promoting social connections among students. This leads to improved well-being in the short-term, as students who participate in social activities tend to develop stronger relationships and a sense of belonging (Phys.org). In the long-term, this could lead to reduced rates of loneliness and isolation among students. The intermediate steps in this causal chain involve the development of social skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Students who are encouraged to socialize early on are more likely to form meaningful connections with their peers, which can have a positive impact on their mental health (Phys.org). This effect is particularly relevant for students who may be at risk of loneliness due to factors such as migration, family breakdown, or bullying. The domains affected by this news event include Social Connection and Mental Health, specifically Combating Loneliness and Isolation. The evidence type is a research study, published in the journal ESB (Evidence-based Study). It's uncertain how effective this intervention will be when implemented on a larger scale. If the findings of this experiment are replicated, it could lead to the development of targeted programs aimed at preventing loneliness among students. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and feasibility of such initiatives. **