The world is grappling with a pervasive loneliness epidemic, particularly affecting individuals in their midlife years. Even in the world’s largest and most bustling cities, many people find themselves feeling socially isolated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified loneliness as a “pressing health threat” and has initiated the Commission on Social Connection to foster community ties. This commission includes former US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who equates the health impacts of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
“Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and wellbeing,” Dr. Murthy emphasizes. This epidemic has not spared Australian cities, suburbs, or rural communities. According to Relationships Australia’s Relationship Indicators Report 2024, 5.1 million Australians often experience loneliness. Similarly, Ending Loneliness Together, a coalition addressing this issue, reports that nearly one in three Australians feel lonely, with young adults (aged 18 to 24) and middle-aged individuals (aged 45 to 54) being the most vulnerable.
The Impacts of Isolation
The physical and mental toll of loneliness is significant. WHO indicates that loneliness can increase the risk of developing dementia by up to 50 percent and the risk of early death by 25 percent. It also raises the likelihood of stroke and cardiovascular disease by up to 30 percent and significantly heightens the chances of developing depression.
For middle-aged women, the consequences are even more severe. Groundbreaking research from the University of Sydney has established a causal link between loneliness and early mortality for women in midlife. The study, which analyzed data from over 57,000 women, found that those who experienced prolonged loneliness were three times more likely to die early than their non-lonely counterparts.
Associate Professor Melody Ding from the University of Sydney explains, “Middle-aged women experience transitions at work and home. Kids are moving out, women may be retiring or experiencing menopause, and they’re busy. They’re looking after children, parents, and careers, which leaves little time for their own social needs.” She adds that this ongoing, underlying stress can lead to damaging inflammation and health problems.
Stories of Unexpected Loneliness
Roz Butterworth, 65, experienced unexpected loneliness after moving from Sydney to Melbourne with her husband. Despite not being shy, she found it challenging to establish new social connections. “I’m not a shy person, but for the first time in my life, I felt lonely,” she recalls. Roz discovered Chatty Cafe, an initiative that organizes informal gatherings at cafes, community centers, and libraries, which helped her make new friends and combat loneliness.
Chatty Cafe Australia was launched eight years ago by Glenys Reid, who faced her own loneliness after an unexpected change in her work situation. “During that time, I noticed people in cafes, many of them by themselves and using social props like a laptop, book, or phone,” Glenys shares. Inspired by a similar initiative in the UK, she established Chatty Cafe in Australia, which now attracts a diverse group of regulars, mostly over the age of 50.
Understanding the Roots of Loneliness
Associate Professor Michelle Lim, Scientific Chair and CEO of Ending Loneliness Together, defines loneliness as “a distressing feeling when your relationships do not meet your social needs.” She emphasizes that the quality of relationships is more important than their quantity. Persistent loneliness, which lasts for at least eight weeks, can become a chronic issue.
Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer of Relationships Australia, notes that increased busyness and over-reliance on technology contribute to the growing disconnect. “Work gets more demanding, life gets more demanding, and certain life changes can trigger loneliness,” he explains. The recent cost-of-living crisis has further exacerbated feelings of stress and isolation for many.
Building New Connections
Sheriden Hackney, 31, moved to Melbourne from the Gold Coast and struggled to form new friendships despite her confidence. “People had established friend groups, and it was hard to break into those circles,” she recalls. After trying friendship apps with limited success, Sheriden started hosting cooking classes in her home, which led to the creation of Conscious Connection, a network that helps people meet through social events.
Similarly, Brittany Symons, 33, faced challenges making new friends after returning to Australia from London. Her sister introduced her to Conscious Connection, where Brittany found a core group of friends through shared interests. “You have to push yourself to meet new people, but it’s worth it. My life is so much richer,” she says.
Breaking the Stigma Around Loneliness
Associate Professor Lim stresses the importance of talking about loneliness to remove its stigma. Ending Loneliness Together found that 31 percent of people feel ashamed of their loneliness, and nearly half of Australians are too embarrassed to admit it. “We need to change the way we talk about loneliness,” she asserts. Nick Tebbey encourages small steps to foster connections, like greeting neighbors or engaging in casual conversations.
Associate Professor Ding calls for recognizing loneliness as a major risk factor for chronic illness and early death. “When people are stuck in the cycle of loneliness, stigma prevents them from expressing their experience, and it becomes a silent epidemic,” she warns. She advises those feeling isolated to reach out to others and not to fear rejection.
As the world continues to navigate this loneliness epidemic, initiatives like Chatty Cafe and Conscious Connection offer hope and practical solutions for fostering meaningful social connections. By acknowledging and addressing the issue, society can work towards mitigating the profound health impacts of loneliness.
