While we’re encouraged to eat well, sleep for eight hours and take 10,000 steps a day, for our health and wellbeing, finding ways to connect in our communities should also be a priority.
According to Patricia Gorman, who leads Centacare’s Kingaroy Neighbourhood Centre, social isolation is on the rise, taking a toll on people from all walks of life. Its effects on mental and physical health and wellbeing include anxiety, stress, cognitive decline, low self-esteem and poor sleep.
”Social isolation can result from many different family circumstances”, said Patricia. “Single parents, families experiencing domestic violence or those impacted by mental health challenges are vulnerable to isolation. As well as parents of adult children who have left the family home.”
“Young adults, older people, those with disability, carers, people from a migrant or non-English speaking background, lower income households and those who live alone can also feel socially isolated,” adds Patricia.
“At the Kingaroy Neighbourhood Centre, we provide opportunities for people to connect with others, learn new things and enjoy group activities in a warm, welcoming and safe space.”
What is the difference between social isolation and loneliness?
A person experiences social isolation when they have few social relationships or roles within their community leading to infrequent social interactions. This differs from loneliness, when a person feels unhappy with the ways that they experience social connection, regardless of how frequently they interact with others.