For five years now, researchers at the University of Canberra have been keeping track of just how lonely our community is. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic years were tough, but Canberrans are bouncing back. Still, two age groups are more likely to report frequent loneliness and they may not be the ones you'd expect.
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00:00 To say life has been tough for Tori Parker-Lacey lately would be an understatement.
00:07 A relationship breakdown led to homelessness which pushed her mental health to the brink.
00:13 There has been in the last nine months of my separation some very, very difficult nights because you're alone.
00:25 It was here at Roundabout Canberra that Tori found connection and purpose.
00:30 You have people who are smiling at you, you join in conversations, I can give what I have to others and they're appreciative of that.
00:41 Combating loneliness is a big drawcard for new volunteers.
00:45 It's a wonderful group of people, everyone's so friendly and welcoming.
00:49 A survey of adults in Canberra found loneliness most prevalent among 18 to 29 year olds, followed closely by 30 to 49 year olds.
00:59 Interestingly, Canberrans aged 65 and over report the lowest levels of social isolation.
01:06 The majority of our elderly people are pretty social.
01:10 They're out and about, they're getting out chatting to friends and they've often got more social connections than the younger adults.
01:17 The streets today told a different story.
01:20 Am I lonely? I don't feel lonely.
01:23 Not too lonely, on a scale of like 10, like a 4 or 5.
01:28 It's good for me, I don't feel very lonely.
01:31 I haven't felt lonely at any time, I've been able to meet people and connect really well.
01:36 These two students have Taylor Swift to thank for their friendship.
01:40 It was the ANU's Swifty Society that brought them together and quashed any chance of a lonely first year in the nation's capital.
01:49 It's been really good to make a friend as good as Kate and I guess it all comes down to the fact we both really love Taylor.
01:57 Their advice to anyone craving connection is to find common ground.
02:02 So it's just like a building block and then you can jump to creating more meaningful friendships.
02:08 The ultimate antidote to loneliness.
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