What is Social Isolation?

We all feel lonely sometimes, but some of us are at greater risk of experiencing loneliness from living in isolation. Social isolation occurs when individuals have little or no contact with others in their community. Older Australians, people who are unemployed and those with limited mobility are among those most affected.

Did you know:

• 1 in 5 older Australians are socially isolated¹ 
  
• 1 in 3 people aged 15 and over with a disability avoid social situations because of their disability²

Many studies have shown the importance of social connection in shaping our wellbeing. Those experiencing social isolation often wake each day without a sense of purpose which can lead to low self-esteem, a lack of self-worth and depression.

_{1. Beer A, Faulkner D, Law J, Lewin G, Tinker A, Buys L et al. 2016. Regional variation in social isolation amongst older Australians. Regional Studies, Regional Science 3:170–84.}

_{2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019. People with disability in Australia: in brief. Cat. no. DIS 74. Canberra: AIHW.}