It's Loneliness Awareness Week, but for many older people, especially those in regional areas, awareness is not enough.Loneliness Awareness Week runs from the 5th to the 11th of August this year. Last year, researchers from Ending Loneliness Together found that 1 in 4 people in Australia experience persistent loneliness (defined as experiences of loneliness that last for at least 8 weeks). For people in rural and regional areas, the issue is even more common, with 1 in 3 people experiencing persistent loneliness.
This is a major issue. Loneliness is more than just an unpleasant experience, it can be associated with other physical and mental health problems. In fact, the World Health Organization has identified it as a public health priority, and has begun a three-year long commission investigating it.
While raising awareness and providing resources for people to better understand loneliness is a good step, there is more that can be done to support people in New South Wales who may be struggling with loneliness and social isolation.
Transport costs and loneliness
In a survey of our members conducted in December 2023, CPSA found that increasing cost-of-living pressures were forcing many people to forego social activities in order to afford groceries and bills. In our recent mail survey of readers of ‘The Voice’, we found that fuel costs and transportation costs were also a major concern for people.
In regional and rural areas where public transport options may be rare or non-existent, rising fuel costs can keep people from travelling to visit friends and family, or even to volunteer where they may also help others to feel more socially connected. Research shows that mental health challenges can be worsened for people living in rural and regional communities, so helping people stay connected can be essential.
Before last year’s NSW budget, the Regional Seniors Travel Card was an easy solution for older people in regional and rural areas. The card provided $250 towards the cost of travel and could be used for public transport, taxis or even for refueling your car. This meant that people could more easily maintain their social connections and participate in their communities.
While CPSA has continued to campaign for the Regional Seniors Travel Card to be reinstated, we recently received a letter from the NSW Minister for Regional Transport informing us that there was no plan to bring it back.
However, the NSW Government is currently developing a set of ‘Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans’ to improve transport in regional and rural areas of NSW. The plans will involve community consultation, and CPSA will have the chance to make submissions on each plan as it is developed. We will update our readers on how they can get involved as soon as information becomes available.
Digitalisation
Another issue that can intensify social isolation and feelings of loneliness is the loss of face-to-face services in regional and rural areas. Increasingly, face-to-face services are being replaced by online services in a process commonly called ‘digitalisation’. Digital technologies such as computers and smartphones can help people in rural and regional areas to stay connected with family or friends over longer distances, but many people may not feel comfortable using these devices, or they may simply prefer not to.
For people who cannot or choose not to use digital technologies as readily, the loss of face-to-face services can also limit their autonomy and their independence. This can also lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness.
The NSW Government is currently developing its ‘Digital Inclusion Strategy’ which aims to eliminate barriers that prevent people from using digital technology and accessing online services. CPSA made a submission to the Digital Inclusion Strategy arguing that the Government needs to ensure that people are still able to access face-to-face and phone services, and that no-one should be forced online who does not want to be.
NSW inquiry into loneliness
In response to the growing concern of loneliness and social isolation, the NSW Government has announced an inquiry into the ‘prevalence, causes and impacts’ of loneliness in the state. CPSA will make a submission highlighting the issues discussed in this article, but input from our readers will help us to make a stronger case. Get in touch with us on our website, send us a letter or give us a call on 1800 451 588 to make sure that your voice is heard.
Need to talk?
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line: 1300 308 307
Loneliness Awareness Week runs from the 5th to the 11th of August this year. Last year, researchers from Ending Loneliness Together found that 1 in 4 people in Australia experience persistent loneliness (defined as experiences of loneliness that last for at least 8 weeks). For people in rural and regional areas, the issue is even more common, with 1 in 3 people experiencing persistent loneliness.
This is a major issue. Loneliness is more than just an unpleasant experience, it can be associated with other physical and mental health problems. In fact, the World Health Organization has identified it as a public health priority, and has begun a three-year long commission investigating it.
While raising awareness and providing resources for people to better understand loneliness is a good step, there is more that can be done to support people in New South Wales who may be struggling with loneliness and social isolation.
Transport costs and loneliness
In a survey of our members conducted in December 2023, CPSA found that increasing cost-of-living pressures were forcing many people to forego social activities in order to afford groceries and bills. In our recent mail survey of readers of ‘The Voice’, we found that fuel costs and transportation costs were also a major concern for people.
In regional and rural areas where public transport options may be rare or non-existent, rising fuel costs can keep people from travelling to visit friends and family, or even to volunteer where they may also help others to feel more socially connected. Research shows that mental health challenges can be worsened for people living in rural and regional communities, so helping people stay connected can be essential.
Before last year’s NSW budget, the Regional Seniors Travel Card was an easy solution for older people in regional and rural areas. The card provided $250 towards the cost of travel and could be used for public transport, taxis or even for refueling your car. This meant that people could more easily maintain their social connections and participate in their communities.
While CPSA has continued to campaign for the Regional Seniors Travel Card to be reinstated, we recently received a letter from the NSW Minister for Regional Transport informing us that there was no plan to bring it back.
However, the NSW Government is currently developing a set of ‘Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans’ to improve transport in regional and rural areas of NSW. The plans will involve community consultation, and CPSA will have the chance to make submissions on each plan as it is developed. We will update our readers on how they can get involved as soon as information becomes available.
Digitalisation
Another issue that can intensify social isolation and feelings of loneliness is the loss of face-to-face services in regional and rural areas. Increasingly, face-to-face services are being replaced by online services in a process commonly called ‘digitalisation’. Digital technologies such as computers and smartphones can help people in rural and regional areas to stay connected with family or friends over longer distances, but many people may not feel comfortable using these devices, or they may simply prefer not to.
For people who cannot or choose not to use digital technologies as readily, the loss of face-to-face services can also limit their autonomy and their independence. This can also lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness.
The NSW Government is currently developing its ‘Digital Inclusion Strategy’ which aims to eliminate barriers that prevent people from using digital technology and accessing online services. CPSA made a submission to the Digital Inclusion Strategy arguing that the Government needs to ensure that people are still able to access face-to-face and phone services, and that no-one should be forced online who does not want to be.
NSW inquiry into loneliness
In response to the growing concern of loneliness and social isolation, the NSW Government has announced an inquiry into the ‘prevalence, causes and impacts’ of loneliness in the state. CPSA will make a submission highlighting the issues discussed in this article, but input from our readers will help us to make a stronger case. Get in touch with us on our website, send us a letter or give us a call on 1800 451 588 to make sure that your voice is heard.
Need to talk?
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line: 1300 308 307
