Loneliness shifts to Canberra’s 30s and 40s amid financial strain
A major health survey released by the Health Research Institute as part of the University of Canberra’s Living Well in the ACT Region report shows loneliness is increasing most quickly among Canberrans in their 30s and 40s. The latest findings indicate that 18.8 per cent of adults aged 30 to 49 report feeling lonely “often” or “always,” a rate that surpasses younger cohorts for the first time in the ACT. The results come from a survey of more than 3,100 residents conducted in late 2024 and reflect a broader decline in overall wellbeing across the population.
Why midlife loneliness is rising
Lead researcher Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer points to financial pressure and time scarcity as key drivers of social disconnection. “Particularly people aged 30 to 49 — you’ve got kids at home, they might have a big mortgage,” she said. The cost-of-living crisis appears to be limiting people’s social expenditure as well, with a bit over two in five Canberrans reporting they cancelled one or more social events in the past year due to financial strain. From coffee at the cafe to dinner out or bringing something to a BBQ, small social costs add up and can erode opportunities for connection.
Schirmer emphasizes that these pressures intersect with pre-existing social challenges, exacerbating the risk of loneliness for a generation juggling family, work, and finances.
Loneliness coexists with improving community participation
Despite rising loneliness, the survey also notes a positive trend: overall community participation rose to 66.4 per cent by the end of 2024, up from 55 per cent in early 2023. This indicates that Canberrans are seeking and finding ways to connect, even as finances constrain casual socialization.
Grassroots efforts driving connection
In Canberra, community-led groups are creating practical avenues for social engagement. One notable example is Running for Resilience, co-founded by former Brumbies and Wallabies player Ben Alexander and Matthew Breen. What began as a simple social run for a friend in need has grown into a registered charity that now offers up to 16 weekly events across Canberra, including running, walking, yoga, and pickleball. Organizers say the aim is simple: make it easy for anyone to show up, exercise, and have a conversation that could lead to a lasting friendship.
Music as a pathway to belonging
North Canberra has also seen a surge in social connection through music, with the LGBTQIA+ community choir QWire expanding its membership from under 100 to around 150 singers in two years. Convenor Erin Pynor notes that many new members fall into the 30–49 age band, drawn by the sense of community and shared experience that the choir provides. Regular rehearsals in Lyneham and performances at local events help foster a supportive network for people seeking connection.
Who is thriving under the wellbeing lens?
Not all demographics are equally affected. The survey indicates that adults aged 65 and older report relatively strong wellbeing, particularly when in stable relationships and owning their home. While loneliness remains a concern for many Canberrans, this finding highlights that secure housing and relationships can act as buffers against social isolation in later life.
What this means for policy and community life
The ACT’s cost-of-living pressures are not just a financial issue—they influence daily social behavior and how communities maintain connection. The Living Well in the ACT Region report underscores the need for affordable social activities and supportive community networks to help midlife Canberrans sustain a sense of belonging. Local governments, nonprofits, and workplaces can all play a part by supporting low-cost events, subsidizing community programs, and creating spaces where people can connect without financial stress.
In short, Canberra’s midlife adults are feeling the pinch economically, which translates into fewer social outings and a higher risk of loneliness. Yet the rising participation in community activities and the growth of groups like Running for Resilience and QWire demonstrate that connection is possible—if communities and policymakers invest in accessible, affordable ways to bring people together.
