This report presents key insights into the social connectedness of Australians who have ever served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. The analysis expands information on the Social Support domain of the AIHW's Veteran-centred model, and forms part of an ongoing body of work in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). It aims to explore both risk and protective factors for social isolation, loneliness, and poor community participation among Australia’s veterans, as well as how these compare with people who have never served in the ADF.
- Cat. no: PHE 322
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Nearly 1 in 10 (9.4%) veterans were socially isolated. This was similar to people who had never served in the ADF (11%)
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Veterans were more likely to volunteer (19%) than people who had never served in the ADF (14%)
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Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) veterans were lonely. This was similar to people who had never served in the ADF (19%)
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Veterans were more likely to be active members of associations (40%) than people who had never served in the ADF (29%)