Home - Australian Government - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - logo
Mental health
Data

Social isolation and loneliness

Last updated:

Social isolation and loneliness is an Australia's welfare topic

On this page:

Key points

Loneliness and social isolation were concerns before the COVID-19 pandemic and worsened between 2020 and 2022. Since then, most age groups have had lower rates.

In 2024, across all age groups, the rates of men experiencing social isolation were higher than those for women.

In 2024, people aged 35–44 showed the highest rate of loneliness (17%).

Social isolation and loneliness can harm both mental and physical health and may affect life satisfaction. They are concerning issues in Australia and globally due to the impact they have on peoples’ lives and wellbeing.

Social isolation has been linked to mental illness, emotional distress, suicide, the development of dementia, premature death and poor health behaviours (smoking, physical inactivity and poor sleep) – as well as biological effects, including high blood pressure and impaired immune function (Cacioppo et al. 2002 and Grant et al. 2009 in Holt-Lunstad et al. 2015). Social isolation is also associated with psychological distress (Manera et al. 2022) and sustained decreases in feelings of wellbeing (Shankar et al. 2015). Conversely, more frequent social contact is associated with better overall health (Botha 2022). However, it is important to note that not all social contact is healthy – for example unhealthy social relationships can also influence unhealthy behaviours such as substance abuse (Pettersen et al. 2019). 

Loneliness has been linked to premature death, poor physical and mental health (Holt-Lunstad et al. 2015), greater psychological distress (Manera et al. 2022) and general dissatisfaction with life (Schumaker et al. 1993). Loneliness among Australians was already a concerning issue before the COVID-19 pandemic, to the extent that in 2022 it was described as one of the most pressing public health priorities in Australia (Ending Loneliness Together 2022).

This report describes loneliness and social isolation in Australia using data from the Household Income Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. For further technical and methodological information on HILDA, refer to the data source section. International comparisons are described using Gallup survey data (see Gallup and Meta 2023; Fuller-Rowell et al. 2025).

Defining social isolation and loneliness

Social isolation ‘means having objectively few social relationships or roles and infrequent social contact’ (Badcock et al. 2022:7). It differs from loneliness, which is a ‘subjective unpleasant or distressing feeling of a lack of connection to other people, along with a desire for more, or more satisfying, social relationships’ (Badcock et al. 2022:7). The 2 concepts may, but do not necessarily, coexist (Badcock et al. 2022; Relationships Australia 2018) – a person may be socially isolated but not lonely, or socially connected but feel lonely.

Social isolation and loneliness are facets of the broader concept known as social disconnection. Social disconnection is the deficit or absence of social connection – both concepts have increasingly been seen as critical determinants of health, but have only begun to receive widespread attention more recently (WHO 2025). Lack of social support, social negativity and low social capital are also considered forms of social disconnection. However, social isolation and loneliness are the forms of social disconnection for which the most data are available, and are therefore the focus of this report.

Who experiences social isolation?

In 2024, an estimated 15% of Australians aged 15 and over (18% of males and 12% of females) were experiencing social isolation according to the HILDA survey. The rate of all people experiencing social isolation increased from 13% before the COVID-pandemic in 2019 to 16% by 2021 before decreasing in the following years (Figure SIL.1). 

Younger people experienced the most pronounced increase during the pandemic: among those aged 15–24, the rate experiencing social isolation rose sharply from 12% in 2019 to a peak of 22% in 2021. Although the rate declined after 2021, it remained higher than before the pandemic, and was 17% in 2024. In contrast, the rate of people aged 45 and over experiencing social isolation showed no marked increases during the pandemic or in the years that followed (Figure SIL.1) 

Across almost all age groups, males consistently reported higher levels of social isolation than females between 2001 and 2024 (Figure SIL 1).

Figure SIL 1: Proportion of people experiencing social isolation by sex and age group, 2001–2024

Line graph and butterfly chart showing the per cent of males and females of various age groups experiencing social isolation, from 2001 to 2024. 

Line graph and butterfly chart showing the per cent of males and females of various age groups experiencing social isolation, from 2001 to 2024. 

Source: AIHW analysis of Household and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) data, waves 1–24.

Who experiences loneliness?

In 2024, an estimated 15% of Australians (15% of males and 16% of females) were experiencing loneliness according to the HILDA survey. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the rate of people experiencing loneliness increased across most age groups between 2020 and 2021. Rates of loneliness declined across most age groups in the years following the pandemic (Figure SIL 2). 

The most pronounced increase in the rate of loneliness was seen for young people aged 15–24, increasing from 13% in 2019 to 18% in 2020 and 2021. After 2021, the rate declined steadily, and by 2023 young people were again among the least likely to report loneliness, consistent with pre‑pandemic patterns (Figure SIL.2).

Among people aged 65 and over, the rate experiencing loneliness also increased during the pandemic but declined overall from 20% in 2001 to 15% in 2024 (Figure SIL 2).

In most years between 2001 and 2024, females were slightly more likely to report loneliness than males (Figure SIL 2).

Figure SIL 2: Proportion of people experiencing loneliness by sex and age, 2001–2024

Line graph and butterfly chart showing the per cent of males and females of various age groups experiencing loneliness, from 2001 to 2024. 

Line graph and butterfly chart showing the per cent of males and females of various age groups experiencing loneliness, from 2001 to 2024. 

Source: AIHW analysis of Household and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) data, waves 1–24.

How does Australia compare internationally?

International comparisons of loneliness and social isolation are technically challenging due to differences in data availability, survey design and measurement approaches across countries.

Social isolation in domestic and family violence

Family, domestic and sexual violence is a major health and welfare issue in Australia, occurring across all socioeconomic and demographic groups, but predominantly affecting women and children (AIHW 2022).

Social isolation is a well-recognised tactic of coercive control used by perpetrators to control their victims (Boxall and Morgan 2021). It ensures the victim does not hear other people’s perspectives: perpetrators control the information the victim receives, reduce their help-seeking opportunities, and control the victim’s ability to leave the abusive relationship (Stark 2007). Studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australians identified some adverse outcomes of stay-at-home orders associated with increased social isolation that put some women and children at higher risk of experiencing family violence (Morgan and Boxall 2020; Pfitzner et al. 2022). 

For more information, refer to Family, domestic and sexual violence.

Preventing and reducing social isolation and loneliness

Engaging in volunteer work and maintaining active memberships of sporting or community organisations are associated with reduced social isolation (Flood 2005). Participating in paid work and volunteering have been proposed as safeguards against loneliness. However, it is unclear whether community engagement can consistently act as a protective factor against loneliness. For example:

  • one study found that loneliness is lower in people who spend at least some time each week volunteering (Flood 2005)
  • another study found no relationship between loneliness and volunteering, or between loneliness and socialising and participating in sport and community organisations (Baker 2012).

For people aged 25–44, being in a relationship is a greater protective factor against loneliness for men than for women (Baker 2012). Women living with others and women living alone report similar levels of loneliness, while men living alone report higher levels of loneliness than men living with others (Flood 2005). Overall, preventing and reducing social isolation and loneliness requires a comprehensive socioecological framework that fosters a broader culture of connection, rather than relying solely on individual-level interventions or targeting only vulnerable communities (Lim et al. 2020).

The role of social media

Researchers have identified some positive impacts of how social media can help people feel socially connected, especially adolescents (aged 11–19) who are looking for peers online to boost their psychosocial wellbeing, discuss identity development and encourage a sense of belonging (Allen et al. 2014). Other research has shown that using social media benefited young people (aged under 21) who experienced higher levels of social anxiety by increasing their ability to socialise, reducing their feelings of social isolation (Lin et al. 2017). 

Even though adolescents can use social media to create supportive communities, research shows that the relationship between its use and loneliness can work both ways. When it is used to escape physical social interactions, feelings of loneliness were found to increase. People experiencing loneliness may benefit from external support with the use of the Internet to ensure they engage in existing friendships and learn how to develop new ones online to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation (Nowland et al. 2017; Lim and Smith 2023).

Although social isolation and loneliness are now well-recognised public health concerns, major gaps remain in understanding what works to resolve them (Smith and Lim 2020). Due to our diverse social needs, preferences and resources, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution (Ending Loneliness Together 2022). 

Companion animals

Pets can play an integral part in people’s lives, regardless of the person’s culture, profession or age. Companion animals are one source of external support that can bring both physical and mental health benefits (Brooks et al. 2016). All types of companion animals may contribute to reducing social isolation and feelings of loneliness (Brooks et al. 2018; Kretzler et al. 2022). 

Multiple studies have found an association between pet ownership and lower experiences of social isolation, particularly for children (Christian et al. 2020; Hartwig and Signal 2020; Kretzler et al. 2022). Further, research suggests that companion animals may positively influence experiences for older people (aged 60 and over) by increasing their sense of purpose and meaning, facilitating increased social interaction, reducing loneliness and improving emotional resilience (Gan et al. 2019), as well as being potentially a protective factor against suicide (Young et al. 2020). Owning a pet increases the opportunity for people to get to know their neighbours and for social interactions and forming friendships (Wood et al. 2015).

Key data gaps and data improvement activities

Key data gaps

The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey does not cover certain population groups and areas in its sampling process due to high operational complexities and costs, resulting in specific data gaps (Watson and Wooden 2002).

Population groups not included:

  • diplomatic personnel of overseas governments
  • overseas residents who had stayed or intended to stay in Australia for less than one year
  • members of non-Australian defence forces and their dependents
  • residents of institutions (for example, hospitals, care facilities, military installations, correctional facilities, convents) and other non-private dwellings (for example, hotels, motels)
  • individuals living in remotely or sparsely populated areas.

HILDA focuses on national-level research. Despite exclusions, HILDA provides robust representation for multiple sub-group analyses at the national level. 

Data development activities

The HILDA survey collects data annually, typically running from July to March of the following year. Updates to the analysis of HILDA data in this report will be made as new data becomes available.

Future updates of this report are expected to include data from the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, providing additional analyses of social isolation and loneliness. These updates will explore key factors that may influence social isolation and loneliness, such as the severity of mental health conditions and socioeconomic characteristics, including family structure, financial stress, income, and levels of socioeconomic advantage or disadvantage. This work aims to deepen understanding of social isolation and loneliness and support efforts to address these critical challenges affecting the wellbeing of Australians.

Where can I go for more information?

For more information about social isolation and loneliness, see:

Data on this page cover years 2001 to 2024.  

Search