Exercise is widely recognised as essential for health and longevity. Yet, another equally powerful but often overlooked factor determines both lifespan and quality of life: social connection. The evidence is clear: strong social bonds are fundamental to living longer and better.

The numbers that change the conversation

The World Health Organisation’s Commission on Social Connection released a landmark global report in 2025 showing that loneliness is linked to an estimated 871,000 deaths annually worldwide. One in six people globally is affected by loneliness. For older adults, the figure is closer to one in three.

In Australia, around one in six Australians (17%) reported often feeling lonely in 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Globally, the health consequences are well established: a landmark meta-analysis cited by the WHO Commission on Social Connection found that people with strong social relationships have a 50 per cent higher likelihood of survival compared to those who are socially isolated – a risk magnitude comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

Why older people are particularly at risk

Monash University research found that one in five older Australians over 65 experience loneliness, with rates rising significantly after age 75.

The causes are well understood. Retirement removes a daily social structure. The death of a partner or close friend shrinks social networks. Health challenges limit mobility and participation. Adult children have their own demands. All of this can happen gradually, which is part of what makes it easy to miss.

The Australian Government’s research on healthy ageing identified social participation as one of the key protective factors for both physical and mental health in later life.

What social isolation actually does to the body

Loneliness is not simply an emotional state. It triggers a chronic low-grade stress response in the body, elevated cortisol, increased inflammation, disrupted sleep, and weakened immune function. Over time, this contributes to cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and depression.

A University of Technology Sydney study tracking Australians over 12 years found that community-level factors: access to social infrastructure, transport and local services, had independent effects on loneliness and social isolation for older adults. In other words, where you live and what’s available nearby matters enormously.

The researchers also noted something important: loneliness does not only affect people who live alone. Around 30 per cent of people who live with others still report feeling lonely. Presence is not the same as connection.

What actually helps

The research consistently shows that structured group activities with a shared purpose are more effective at reducing loneliness than casual social contact. It’s not about being in the same room as other people; it’s about belonging to something.

Bus outings. Discussion groups. Exercise classes. Cultural events. Shared meals. These are not extras. For older adults, they provide healthcare.

At Holdsworth, social programs are a core part of what we offer. Our social support programs include weekly interesting and stimulating day out in Sydney and the surrounds. These programs are open to older adults across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) or Support at Home.


For adult children reading this

If your parent lives alone or has become more withdrawn, a conversation about social connection matters more than many people realise. Signs worth noting include: reduced interest in leaving the house, mentioning that “there’s no point” to activities they used to enjoy or increasing dependence on phone calls with family as their only social contact.

Holdsworth runs free monthly information sessions where you can find out about services available for your parent, including social programs, in-home support and transport. Register for our next session or call 1300 882 962 to speak with our team.


The bottom line

Social connection belongs in the same conversation as diet, sleep and exercise. For older adults, it may matter more than any of them. The good news is that it’s never too late to build new connections. Groups welcome people at every stage. The first step is usually the hardest.