Shocking Ryman loneliness podcast reignites need for further incentives for people living alone to leave family home

Listening to Ryman Healthcare's latest podcast, the seriousness of loneliness experienced by nearly one in three Australians angered me.   

Feeling distressed as a result of unfulfilling relationships (loneliness) increased the likelihood of premature death by 26%, while social isolation increased the risk of an early death by 29%, Ending Loneliness Together Scientific Chair Dr Michelle Lim told the podcast. 

Ending Loneliness Together’s ‘State of the Nation Report - Social Connection in Australia’ found 11% of respondents aged 65-74 felt lonely often or always. One in four thought their community viewed loneliness as a sign of weakness. 

“Our society has perpetuated this negative view of what loneliness is and made it so that people who are lonely can’t really get the help that they need early and that’s where we get to other problems down the line,” Dr Lim said. 

Imagine the challenges if the lonely person has high care needs. The latest StewartBrown Aged Care Financial Performance Survey Sector Report found Home Care recipients received just 5.13 hours of care on average per recipient per week. A published Canadian study found social isolation and loneliness had the greatest negative impact on memory.

Josh McFarlane, Catholic Healthcare CEO, told SATURDAY subscription magazine issue 69 about his fears and what he intended to about it.   

What is the Australian Government and state and territory governments doing to give incentives to help lonely people living in large family homes sell and move into retirement living? There is the downsizer contribution (up to $300,000 from the proceeds of a home sale into your superannuation fund) but should there be more? 

The Retirement Living Council led by Executive Director Daniel Gannon is thumping on the doors of government trying to make its voice heard. Residents in retirement living are: 

• 15% more physically active; 
• 41% happier, and both physically and mentally healthier; 
• Five times more socially active; 
• Twice as likely to catch up with family or friends; and 
• Have reduced levels of depression and loneliness. 

Josh McFarlane, Catholic Healthcare CEO, told SATURDAY subscription magazine about his fears and what he intended to about it.   

Surely the message is being heard? Something has to be done to the society we live in before loneliness becomes a stain on our nation.    

Is this any way to treat people who have given their lives to the country?