The Growing Crisis of Loneliness: A Call for Collective Action

Key Points:

• Loneliness is a major public health crisis.
• The Digital age, changing communities - it all contributes to increased loneliness.
• The solutions are complex and require individual, community, and government interventions.

NSW Health (and many other things!) Minister Rose Jackson continues to impress me. Hard on the heels of the most significant investment in social housing for as long as anyone can remember, she's backing a new Upper House inquiry into loneliness. This one is equally close to my heart.

The Issue

Many are quick to dismiss loneliness as a personal issue - but it's increasingly being seen as a public health crisis. This is a creeping problem that's become widespread and which is having a profound impact. Someone you know is likely experiencing chronic loneliness right now.

It's well known that as we've become more digital, less analogue, we've become more lonely and isolated. So-called 'social' networks, often heralded as a tool for fostering connections, tend to lack the depth and emotional resonance of face-to-face relationships.

Loneliness is not just a personal burden but a collective one.

Our family and community structures have been replaced by more fragmented and individualistic living arrangements, particularly in cities. People might live close by but in many cases they remain emotionally distant. When was the last time you spoke to your neighbour?

All this has significant implications for public health. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness is associated with a range of negative health outcomes, including increased risks of heart disease, depression, anxiety, and even premature death. TV and podcasting GP Rangan Chatterjeee says feeling and being lonely is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day - and that you're 50% more likely to die sooner, and 30% more likely to have a heart attack.

Why should we care?

This is a complex problem that needs many different avenues of response. Many people refuse to accept they are lonely - me included - as it's often stigmatised, seen as a failing.

I'm a Gen X male, and when you get to my age, making new friends isn't all that easy.

In my case, I moved to a more remote location with my best friend, my wife, away from a close-knit community of friends, to enjoy a life, to have adventures together. And then she died. I can't afford to move back to the City, so now it's just me and the dog. We have friends visit, but it's not the kind of regular connection that will keep me healthy. Plus, I'm a Gen X male, and when you get to my age, making new friends isn't all that easy.

What can we do about it?

Public campaigns that encourage open discussion about loneliness can help reduce this stigma and encourage those affected to seek help. I guess this is my contribution to that.

Communities also play a crucial role in combating loneliness. We need more community programs and spaces that facilitate social interaction. These can include everything from neighbourhood events to support groups for those who are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, such as the elderly and people living with disabilities.

Government action is essential to create the structural changes needed to address loneliness on a larger scale.

Government action is essential to create the structural changes needed to address loneliness on a larger scale. This includes funding for community programs and policies that promote social inclusion. Urban planning that prioritises walkable neighbourhoods and public spaces where people can naturally interact can help foster a greater sense of community. We learned a lot about the value of this (so much!) during COVID.

As an aside - another interesting concept is social prescribing—where healthcare providers refer patients to community activities instead of just prescribing medication. This could be an effective way to address loneliness at its roots.

What's next?

This NSW parliamentary inquiry is a significant step but it is only the beginning. I'm keen to follow the inquiry's progress and recommendations. Loneliness is not just a personal burden but a collective one. By fostering connections, building inclusive communities, and supporting those who are struggling, we can begin to create a more connected and compassionate society.