Date: 14 September 2015

Whiddon report reveals almost half a million Aussies 65 and over crave more social contact

Sydney, 15 July, 2015: New findings from aged care specialists Whiddon in their latest Social Isolation and Loneliness Report reveals that as many as 415,000 Australians aged 65 and over crave more social contact. Of these, a huge 71 per cent stated they wanted more interaction with their community, well ahead of more contact with friends (40%) and family (30%).

Looking closer at the research it highlights that community connection is even more crucial for those aged over 65 who are living on their own, representing 924,000 people in Australia. A large proportion of this group experience little to no social interaction. One in four only receive a visitor fortnightly to monthly and 14 per cent even less often than that. This includes 30,000 older people who rarely or never receive company in their homes. A further 108,000 of all respondents find it difficult to get out and about in the community.

Karn Nelson, Executive General Manager Strategic Policy and Research, Whiddon, said, “Fostering close connections within community and maintaining social interaction, interests and activities is absolutely essential to the wellbeing of older Australians, for both physical and mental health reasons. Several studies have shown links between loneliness and social isolation and ill health, in particular the development of cognitive decline, depression and cardiovascular disease.”

The health and wellbeing implications for the elderly in Australia is a hidden and growing social issue. The number of people in Australia aged 65 years and over is projected to exceed the number of children aged 0-14 years for the first time ever around the year 2025*.

Karn continues, “Whilst it’s true that many older Australians are happy with the amount of social contact they have, the number who are not is still worryingly high. To combat this it is crucial to provide older people with the opportunities and support needed to access social activities, interest and community groups. We also need to raise awareness about the huge difference that small and regular gestures of kindness and social inclusion can make to the lives of those who are isolated.”

“We know that we risk having to deal with massive health and wellbeing implications nationwide if we don’t find solutions to keeping our older people connected to their communities. At Whiddon, we have seen our clients’ quality of life improve significantly when we build in and create opportunities for regular outings and social activities to their weekly schedule. We also offer broad Creative Ageing activities and projects to help our clients engage with others, express themselves and feel included.”

–Ends–

* Australian Bureau of statistics report: Population by age and sex, Australia, states and territories
For more information, please contact Red Agency:

Martin Harkin
02 9963 7814
martin.harkin@redagency.com.au

Nick Day
02 9963 7835
nick.day@redagency.com.au
Research
•This study was conducted online among a representative sample of Australians aged 65 years and older.
• Fieldwork commenced on Wednesday, 11 February and was completed on Friday, 13 February, 2015.