Targeted and holistic health and wellbeing programs are crucial for reducing loneliness in retirement villages, according to a new study by the Bolton Clarke Research Institute and Monash University, published in BMC Geriatrics.
Surveying 1,178 residents across 24 retirement villages, the research found nearly 20% of participants experienced loneliness. Risk factors included low mood, living alone, cognitive decline, pain, and recent falls or hospitalisation. Among the 60% of residents who lived alone, one in four reported feeling lonely.
Encouragingly, residents who had lived in their village for more than a year were significantly less likely to report loneliness, highlighting the importance of early-stage support after relocation.
“One of the key reasons people choose to move to retirement communities is the desire for increased social connection,” said study author Georgina Johnstone. “But relocation can disrupt existing relationships, so support networks need to be rebuilt.”
The study suggests that understanding a resident’s motivation for moving into retirement living and offering targeted orientation and social support in the first year can significantly improve outcomes. Frail or unwell residents were found to have a harder time building new connections.
Pain, in particular, doubled the likelihood of loneliness. Residents with a history of falls or memory-related conditions such as dementia also faced higher risks.
To counter this, researchers recommend village-based group programs focused on falls prevention and cognitive health to foster both physical and social engagement. They also suggest designing villages as community hubs with spaces that encourage interaction and adopting social prescribing models that link residents to non-clinical support services.
“Holistic, tailored interventions are increasingly critical as retirement villages take on a broader role in supporting positive ageing.”
Georgina Johnstone
Monash University Adjunct Professor Dr Judy Lowthian added that loneliness is a growing global health issue, affecting up to one in four older Australians. “Understanding risk factors helps us codesign programs that enhance connection and wellbeing in meaningful ways.”
Australia will mark Loneliness Awareness Week from 4-10 August, with the theme Moments Matter.
