Summary

Social connectedness plays a significant role in the health and wellbeing of veterans both during and after service. Strong social connectedness has been associated with an increase in social support networks and general happiness levels with reduced severity of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and lower suicidality (Flack and Kite 2021). However, the risk and protective factors against poor social connectedness are not well researched in Australia’s veteran population.

For the first time in its 22-year history, Wave 21 of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey included questions asking respondents about their service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This has enabled new and more granular analysis of the social connectedness of veterans than has previously been possible, including important cross-tabulations of social connectedness against related issues such as veteran mental health. Analysis of these new data can support policy, resourcing and decision-making across both the public and non-profit sectors to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Australia’s veteran community.

Analysis of Wave 21 HILDA data found that overall, Australia's veterans experienced similar or better social connectedness than the broader Australian population (Figure 1). However, analysis also revealed that some subgroups of veterans, such as those in poor general or mental health, were often at higher risk of issues with social connectedness than other veterans.

Figure 1: Overall social connectedness, by ADF service status, 2021-22

The bar chart shows measures of social isolation, loneliness, volunteering, active club or association membership, feeling part of local community and frequency of social contact. Overall, veterans were more likely to volunteer and be active members of clubs or associations than the broader Australian population.

  • Social isolation among veterans (9.4%) was similar to people who had never served in the ADF (11%). However, some subgroups of veterans were at greater risk than others. For more information, see Social Isolation.
  • Loneliness among veterans (18%) was similar to people who had never served in the ADF (19%). However, some subgroups of veterans were at greater risk than others. For more information, see Loneliness.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) veterans volunteered. This was higher than people who had never served in the ADF (14%). Some subgroups of veterans had particularly high rates of volunteering. For more information, see Volunteering.
  • Two in 5 (40%) veterans were active members of clubs or associations. This was higher than people who had never served in the ADF (29%). Some subgroups of veterans had particularly high rates of active club or association membership. For more information, see Active membership to clubs or associations.
  • Over a quarter (27%) of veterans did not feel part of their local community. This was similar to people who had never served in the ADF (26%). However, this pattern differed among subgroups of veterans. For more information, see Feeling part of a local community.
  • Just over 1 in 5 veterans (22%) had infrequent social contact with persons outside their household (that is, once every three months or less). This was similar to people who had never served in the ADF (20%). However, some subgroups of veterans were at greater risk of infrequent social contact than others. For more information, see Frequency of social contact.

What support is available?

For support and counselling contact: 

For more information on loneliness and social isolation, see:

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