Financial hardship is the biggest driver of loneliness. Here’s why – and how to tackle it

According to a new report from our research collaboration, one in four Australians report feeling lonely, and financial hardship is the key driver of this issue.

The Impact of Financial Hardship on Loneliness

Feeling lonely can have a significant negative impact on our health, wellbeing, and productivity. Financial hardship is a major contributing factor to loneliness, with people who face financial pressures being almost seven times more likely to report persistent loneliness.

In addition to the negative impact on mental health, financial hardship can also lead to increased stress levels, reduced social interaction, and decreased feelings of social connection.

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Who is Most at Risk?

Our research found that certain communities are more at risk of persistent loneliness, including:

• Those aged 18 to 24
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• People who are single or divorced
• Those with a chronic disease
• Those with mental ill health

However, financial hardship was found to be the largest contributing factor to loneliness, even after accounting for other possible contributing factors.

The Consequences of Loneliness

Loneliness can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health, including:

• Increased risk of social anxiety and depression
• Impact on heart health and sleep
• Increased levels of inflammation
• Earlier death

What Can We Do to Tackle Loneliness?

The World Health Organization is repositioning loneliness as a global public health priority, and has established a Commission on Social Connection to set the global agenda for social connection and measure progress.

In Australia, we need to build a culture of connection by changing the way we make decisions on how we relate to each other, promoting social connection within our schools, workplaces, and communities, and modifying policies to allow us to start and maintain healthy social connections.

Urban planning also plays a critical role, with people requiring safe and no- or low-cost spaces to interact in and to start and maintain relationships. This includes parks, libraries, public squares, community gardens, and neighborhood houses.

How to Connect if You’re Financially Pressured

Don’t feel alone in this experience. Let your family or friends know that you are financially pressured, and consider selecting no- or low-cost activities such as walking in the park or connecting on the phone. Look for free events offered in your local area and city, and consider having meals at home or low-cost food options.

Find some digital spaces which can allow you to interact with others in shared interest topics, and if someone shares they are feeling lonely, asking “is there anything I can do to help?” facilitates the conversation and lets others know you are there without judgment.

Conclusion

Finding ways to tackle loneliness is crucial for our collective wellbeing and productivity. By recognizing the key drivers of loneliness, including financial hardship, and implementing strategies to build a culture of connection, we can work towards a more connected and healthier society.

FAQs

What are the key drivers of loneliness? Financial hardship is the biggest driver of loneliness, followed by being aged 18 to 24, being from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, being single or divorced, having a chronic disease, and having mental ill health.

How does financial hardship contribute to loneliness? Financial hardship can lead to increased stress levels, reduced social interaction, and decreased feelings of social connection, making it a major contributing factor to loneliness.

What are some strategies for connecting with others when financially pressured? Consider selecting no- or low-cost activities, looking for free events in your local area and city, having meals at home or low-cost food options, and finding digital spaces to interact with others in shared interest topics.

What is being done to tackle loneliness? The World Health Organization is repositioning loneliness as a global public health priority, and has established a Commission on Social Connection to set the global agenda for social connection and measure progress. In Australia, we need to build a culture of connection by changing the way we make decisions on how we relate to each other and modifying policies to allow us to start and maintain healthy social connections.

How can I support someone who is feeling lonely? If someone shares they are feeling lonely, ask “is there anything I can do to help?” and facilitate the conversation. Let them know you are there without judgment, and encourage them to seek support from professionals if needed.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.