Being alone can be deadly

In the middle of the 20th century, less than two per cent of Canadians lived alone. The latest census data released earlier this year shows that now almost 14 per cent of adults are living solo. Living alone can lead to loneliness and loneliness can be lethal. That’s the message from Gillian Leithman, an aging, retirement and knowledge management researcher at Concordia University. Prof. Leitham points out the health risks from loneliness are worse than obesity. Read on to learn more about this important social phenomenon.

Anthony Bonato is a gay mathematician at Ryerson University and he has a remarkable article today about the diversity challenges his profession is facing. “The average Canadian mathematics department has on average fewer than one-fifth female professors,” he writes. “There are only a handful of gay, bisexual or lesbian mathematics professors in Canada that I know.” Prof. Bonato makes a convincing argument that one of the reasons there aren’t more LGBQTI2S mathematicians can be traced to the social difficulties they face. “It’s tough to encourage youth to study calculus when they are getting beat up for being who they really are.”

And finally, Erica Lawson, an associate professor of women’s studies and feminist research at Western University, looks at the recent presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirlea of Liberia. “Ma Ellen” was elected on a promise to keep peace in a country that had just gone through a horrific civil war. It’s a part of the world Canadians don’t know enough about and Prof. Lawson’s article gives insight into the important role women have played in Liberian politics.

Regards,

Scott White

Editor

Today's Featured Stories

Studies are showing that loneliness can be deadly, even more so than obesity. (Shutterstock)

Loneliness could kill you

Gillian Leithman, Concordia University

Loneliness shortens our life spans and some studies suggest it's even more lethal than obesity. We are physiologically and psychologically primed for connection, so don't shrug off your loneliness.

Hidden Figures, the movie, showcased the importance of Black women in mathematics. (Twentieth Century Fox)

Gender parity and queer awareness needed in mathematics

Anthony Bonato, Ryerson University

Mathematics departments in Canada have a poor record on equity, diversity and inclusivity says a gay mathematics professor. Here he speaks about the hopeful changes he sees coming.

Women wearing their WIPNET T-shirts plan a peace jamboree the day before the Liberian election in October 2017. (Carter Center)

How women bring about peace and change in Liberia

Erica Lawson, Western University

Thousands of Liberian women have banded together to bring about peace and to fight for women's rights. They've changed the face of the African nation.

Business + Economy

  • How James Bond was a model employee

    Martin Parker, University of Leicester

    It is easy to forget that the James Bond franchise is firmly set in the world of work. Bond's evolution reflects changing attitudes to the workplace.

Culture + Society

Health + Medicine