According to a new report from our research collaboration, one in four Australians feels lonely. This report builds upon a comprehensive study conducted last year about social connections. The findings indicate that once a person becomes lonely, they often remain so. Loneliness can negatively affect one’s health, increasing the risk of social anxiety, depression, heart issues, sleep disturbances, and inflammation, and it can lead to a shorter lifespan. The prolonged state of loneliness can worsen these adverse effects. As many Australians face financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living crisis, financial hardship has emerged as a key cause of loneliness.
Loneliness is a negative feeling that arises when social needs are unmet in existing relationships. You can feel lonely even if you’re surrounded by others if you don’t get the right kind of companionship and support. You may feel that to some extent:
While not all of these feelings might apply to everyone, and they may be experienced in varying degrees, certain communities are more prone to chronic loneliness. The most significant factor we found, even after adjusting for other potential causes, was the impact of financial hardship. Those experiencing financial difficulties were nearly seven times more likely to report persistent loneliness and almost five times more likely to report ongoing social isolation compared to those without financial struggles.
This finding is consistent with other studies linking economic hardship to poor health. For instance, in children from low-income families, economic hardship is a primary factor that negatively affects their physical and psychological health. In a large study using data from the UK Biobank, individuals from lower economic backgrounds reported higher rates of loneliness.
In Australia, people with incomes under $80,000 were 49% more likely to experience loneliness within a year and 66% more likely to report loneliness over two consecutive years compared to those earning over A$150,000. Factors such as income and living conditions are among the social determinants of health, influencing our health outcomes. However, the specific ways financial limitations impact our social interactions have barely been examined. Two plausible scenarios arise. First, financial stress might alter our feelings and interactions with others due to increased stress. Second, financial constraints might limit socializing opportunities since one might work more to earn money or cut costs.
Although socializing can sometimes be free, there are generally costs involved in reaching a location or participating in an activity. The widespread loneliness observed globally, along with increasing scientific evidence of its negative impact on health, wellbeing, productivity, and the economy, must be given attention. The World Health Organization is highlighting loneliness as a global public health priority and has set up a Commission on Social Connection. This commission is responsible for setting the agenda for global social connection, collaborating with high-level commissioners to advocate for worldwide action, scaling up proven solutions, and measuring progress.
In Australia, we must foster a culture of connection by changing our decision-making processes on how we interact with others and by promoting social connectivity in schools, workplaces, and communities. We must also adjust policies to help start and sustain healthy social connections. Health and social policies aimed at addressing loneliness and social isolation need to consider low incomes and increased financial constraints as barriers to forming and maintaining meaningful connections.
Urban planning is related to this issue as well. People need safe, low- or no-cost spaces for interaction and relationship building, such as parks, libraries, public squares, community gardens, and neighborhood centers. Reducing investments in or maintaining these spaces will prevent people from interacting and socializing within their communities. If loneliness is not addressed quickly and effectively, it can lead to persistent loneliness and more distress.
Remember, you’re not alone in this experience. Share your financial concerns with family or friends, as they may be facing similar challenges due to the rising cost of living. Opt for no- or low-cost activities like taking a walk in the park with a friend or connecting over the phone. Look for free events in your local area or city. Consider dining at home instead of eating out or choosing low-cost food options. Engage with digital communities that allow you to interact with others with similar interests. If someone confides they are feeling lonely, asking “Is there anything I can do to help?” can open up a conversation and show support without judgment.