Recent research has shown that both younger and older Australians are disproportionately affected by loneliness, which can lead to poor health outcomes and higher mortality rates.
According to a parliamentary inquiry on Nov. 15, at least one in three Australians report experiencing loneliness, with certain demographics such as those aged 18 to 24, the elderly, and individuals in remote areas being particularly vulnerable. Michelle Lim, CEO of Ending Loneliness Together, highlighted the detrimental impact of loneliness on health and wellbeing, emphasizing that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of mortality and the development of future health issues.
Despite these concerning findings, Australia lags behind other countries in implementing loneliness prevention strategies into public policy and healthcare measures. Lim stressed the importance of health and community services in better understanding, assessing, and responding to individuals at risk of loneliness.
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Michelle Lim, a registered clinical psychologist, emphasized the need for evidence-based training programs for frontline practitioners to identify and address loneliness. She also highlighted the challenges faced by poorly resourced community organizations in scaling up current interventions, resulting in limited and fragmented efforts.
The Australian Association of Psychologists underscored the worsening loneliness crisis, attributing it to various factors such as urban sprawl, lack of social infrastructure, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost of living crisis. Director Carly Dober recommended increasing the Medicare rate for psychologists to $150 per session to enhance access to essential psychological care, particularly in regional areas. Additionally, she called for targeted funding for services in regional communities and greater support for those experiencing social isolation.
One proposed solution involved GPs playing a key role in connecting at-risk individuals to community services through ‘social prescribing,’ a strategy successfully employed in other countries like the UK. By fostering community connections, GPs can help combat loneliness and improve overall wellbeing.
The Council on the Ageing NSW echoed the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the alarming rates of loneliness among older adults. Research conducted by the organization revealed that many older individuals feel undervalued by society and struggle to engage in social activities, leading to feelings of isolation.
It is crucial to address loneliness, as it has profound impacts on individuals’ daily lives, hindering their ability to perform basic tasks and seek necessary medical care. By implementing comprehensive strategies and targeted interventions, we can work towards alleviating the loneliness epidemic and fostering a more connected and supportive society.
For support with loneliness or mental health concerns, you can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or beyondblue at 1300 22 4636.
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