Overview: Loneliness shifts to Canberra’s midlife cohort
A new Living Well in the ACT Region report from the Health Research Institute at the University of Canberra reveals a notable shift in social isolation within the ACT. For the first time, adults aged 30 to 49 report higher loneliness levels than younger residents, with about one in five people in this age band describing their loneliness as occurring often or always. The finding marks a marked change from last year’s results, when the 18–29 age group recorded the highest loneliness rates.
The late-2024 survey drew responses from more than 3,100 Canberrans and captured a broader trend: overall wellbeing is on a downward trajectory across the population. About 31.2 per cent of respondents reported low wellbeing— the highest figure since the study began in 2019—echoing similar national patterns.
Financial pressure, time scarcity fuel social disconnection
Lead researcher Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer said the cost-of-living crisis is reshaping how Canberrans spend their time and money. “Particularly people aged 30 to 49 — you’ve got kids at home, they might have a big mortgage,” she noted. The data suggest that financial strain is not only tightening budgets but also shrinking opportunities for social engagement.
During the last year, a little over two in five Canberrans said they had cancelled one or more social events due to financial difficulties. The resulting reduction in everyday social activities—such as coffees at cafes, restaurant dinners, or casual gatherings—adds layers to a problem already challenging social connection. “These things are really intersecting. We already had some challenges with social connection, and it’s become bigger as people struggle financially and experience those cost-of-living pressures,” Schirmer commented.
The implications reach beyond personal happiness. Loneliness has well-documented links to mental and physical health, and the ACT data suggest that the current economic squeeze is translating into quieter weekends and fewer spontaneous social invites for many households.
Community ties show resilience in some groups
Even as loneliness rises for midlife adults, the report highlights areas where Canberra’s social fabric is tightening. Overall participation in community activities increased to 66.4 per cent by the end of 2024, up from 55 per cent in early 2023. This rebound is driven by locally led initiatives that make it easier for residents to connect, volunteer, and participate in group activities.
Two Canberra-led examples illustrate the positive side of community engagement:
- Running for Resilience: Co-founded by a former professional athlete and a local supporter network, the program now offers up to 16 weekly events across Canberra, including running, walking, yoga, and pickleball. Organizer Ben Alexander says the aim is simple: people come to get fit, but they stay for the connection. The model lowers barriers to participation, encouraging spontaneous chats and friendships after workouts.
- QWire choir: In Lyneham, the LGBTQIA+ community choir has grown from under 100 members to about 150 in two years, with many new singers aged 30 to 49. Convenor Erin Pynor notes that the group provides a social and cultural lifeline, whether participants are drawn to music or the sense of community itself.
Age, wellbeing, and housing: the bigger picture
The survey suggests that older residents, particularly those aged 65 and over, are reporting higher wellbeing levels than some younger groups. Associate Professor Schirmer points out that strong relationships and secure home ownership correlate with better wellbeing outcomes for seniors. Yet this does not erase the broader message: loneliness remains a real concern for many Canberrans, especially in midlife, where employment pressures, parenting responsibilities, and housing costs intersect.
Experts emphasise that improving wellbeing requires multifaceted strategies—supportive social programs, affordable housing, and opportunities for inexpensive—or free—community participation. The ACT’s evolving social initiatives, including programs like Running for Resilience and community choirs, illustrate a practical path forward for increasing social connectedness even amid economic strain.
What this means for policy and everyday life
For policymakers and service providers, the Canberra results underscore the importance of sustaining affordable avenues for social engagement. As households tighten budgets, communities that lower the cost of connection—whether through free events, public spaces that invite gathering, or subsidised activities—can play a critical role in reducing loneliness during midlife. For residents, small steps—sharing a coffee, joining a local club, or taking part in a weekly group activity—can help counterbalance financial pressures with social support.
Bottom line
The ACT’s latest Living Well report paints a nuanced picture: loneliness is rising most acutely among Canberrans in their 30s and 40s, driven by cost-of-living pressures, while community-led efforts show tangible gains in participation. As the city navigates economic challenges, strengthening affordable, welcoming spaces for social connection will be essential to improving overall wellbeing for all ages.
