Prior to COVID-19, we saw that social isolation could take up to eight years off the life expectancy of an older person. That was prior to COVID-19. We have seen untold levels of social isolation. Active, healthy 75-year-olds now locked in their own homes, unable to see family and friends, have had profound problems with the physical ability to move around. These are people who previously did not have disabilities, whether physical or mental disabilities, but who now are suffering enormously.
We're starting to see some of the research in the community, but we are already seeing some of the research coming out of long-term and residential-type care. The CIHI report did some reviews. Dr. Nathan Stall has done some. Occupational therapy reviews have also been considered. We saw some of the outcomes in the Maples in Winnipeg, which were referred to as well, and across the country. We are able to measure the fact that people are not able to toilet anymore. They're not able to walk as far anymore. They're not able to understand and appreciate or feed themselves. These are real physical and mental engagements. On top of that, the disconnection and the trauma have now pulled people into mental health spheres that we have not ever seen before at the same level.
When it comes to loneliness and self-isolation, up to 15 cigarettes a day was how bad it was prior to COVID-19. Now imagine we are all chain-smoking.