Lonely Life

Lonely Life Facts

We all experience loneliness at times. Loneliness is not just being alone, it’s the sense that we’re lacking the social connections we need... even when we're around others.

Generally, there are four main types of loneliness:

'Existential loneliness' is the despair of not knowing ourselves.
'Intimate loneliness' is the longing for a partner with whom you share a deep bond.
'Social loneliness' is the need for quality friendships.
'Collective loneliness' is the yearning for a community or network of like-minded people.

Loneliness is a Killer

Since we’re social creatures, if this loneliness signal is not acknowledged and acted on, it will have a dramatic effect on our physical and mental health.

For example, loneliness may make us more prone to depression, dementia, stroke and obesity. Studies have shown that it is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or drinking 6 alcoholic drinks a day. In short, loneliness can take about 15 years off your life.

Loneliness is an Epidemic

Loneliness affects about 1 in 2 Americans, more than any other time in history. According to several recent surveys, less than 40 percent have said that they felt very connected to others.

“Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity and the addiction crisis” - U.S. Surgeon General's Report 2023: Our Epidemic of Loneliness & Isolation

Loneliness Hits Adults Hard

Loneliness affects 1 in 3 adult Australians. Contrary to typical stereotypes, younger embedded people are lonelier than older isolated people, with those aged 18 to 24, and 35 to 54 (particularly men) report feeling the most loneliest.

What Can You Do?

Go offline and spend more time in face-to-face relationships
Reconnect with old friends, it's never too late to reach out
Build more meaningful connections in the community
Move the conversation from small talk to soul talk
Do our government-funded Community Connections Course and become a Community Connector!

“I’m more patient, assisting my relationships to explore their passions. I’m more connected to others.” - Robert, Community Connector, Beyond Loneliness Project

Connection Tips

You can do it... become a Community Connector!

Fact is, it's easy to gossip, blame or judge when the people concerned aren't around. This is communication junk food i.e. projection, time wasting or potentially divisive. Soul talk, however, takes a very different approach, equipping you to connect with yourself and others in deeper ways.

Community Connectors are simply skilled friends who have learnt how to connect & listen to others without shutting the other person down. People who can make the community they live in a better place and play their part in impacting a lonely planet.

“I'm more understanding and focused on my open communication with family and friends.” - Sue, Community Connector, Beyond Loneliness Project

Connectors

Impact a lonely planet!