Loneliness and disabled people Younger Brits report higher levels of loneliness (April 2023) Our analysis of the latest ONS statistics reveal that those aged between 16-29 are over two times as likely to report feeling lonely often or always than those over 70, with those aged between 30-49 close behind.
Young adults averaged 47.87, while those 65 and older, often assumed to be the most at risk of loneliness, scored an average of 40—the lowest score of any generational group. Simply living through a transitional stage of life into adulthood in today's world can be a lonely experience.
Most notably, researchers found that loneliness rates peak among people in their 20s, and reach their lowest point among those in their 60s. Many people also experience a spike in lonely feelings around their mid-40s.
Men tend to report higher levels of loneliness than women, with 39% of men living alone experiencing loneliness and one in three men believe that there is no one to help them out if in they're in need.
According to substantial research, women across all ages and lifestyles report higher levels of loneliness than men do.
Loneliness impacts over five million Australians and is a significant risk factor for poor physical health, mental health problems and decreased quality of life.
New studies suggest Generation Z is now the loneliest generation, and experts say we're in the middle of a loneliness epidemic. Our generation is statistically experiencing more feelings of isolation, getting married later and having less sex.
Published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, a study found that people's expectations from interpersonal relationships undergo considerable changes as they age — resulting in them often feeling lonelier as they grow older, even if they're not alone.
Both sets of studies show the same thing: People who are not afraid to be single and people who like spending time alone are less likely to experience loneliness. They are psychologically strong in other ways, too. For example, they are less likely to be neurotic and more likely to be open to new experiences.
Yes, it is common to experience feelings of loneliness in your 20s. This can be due to various factors such as changes in life circumstances, differences in personal values and interests with friends or family, or difficulty in making new connections.
Here are the top three things contributing to Gen Z's loneliness. Our preoccupation has skyrocketed in recent years. We are all distracted. We are distracted by work, house chores, progress, social media, the activities of today, the commitments of tomorrow, and then relieving the stress from it all.
There's a common misconception that being single automatically means you're lonely. As someone who is currently living the single life, I can confidently say that this is not true. Singleness allows you to focus on yourself and on self-discovery.
Previous studies have examined the heritability of loneliness in twins, children, and adults. After analyzing the results of these studies, the researchers estimated that 37 to 55 percent of loneliness is influenced by genetics.
The truth is that many single people often feel lonely, even if they aren't lonely all the time. Single loneliness is actually common and a chance for growth.
Loneliness and social isolation are not only linked to depression, but they also raise the risk of anxiety, cognitive problems, self-harm, and suicide, according to an advisory published in May 2023 by the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, MD.
As young adults look forward to their future, older adults tend to reflect and have negative feelings toward how their life has progressed. The author of the study also points to social media and technology as reasons why older adults are unhappy.
Students fear a lack of finances and fulfilment
The greatest fears for Generation Z centre on not achieving their hopes and dreams for the future.
As digital natives, Gen Zers love TikTok. Among other social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, TikTok stands out. Not only is the app Gen Z-dominated, with 43% of global users aged 18-24, but young consumers also prefer TikTok to such an extent that it's begun to rival Google as a search engine.
The idea of social isolation makes them even more anxious and uneasy, and makes them want to be socially involved all the time. Social anxiety can also be attributed to the changing nuclear family setup in modern India, where gen z are subject to helicopter parenting (J. L. Young, 2017).
“Queensland's known as the Sunshine State. All those rays and the laid-back lifestyle might be among the reasons why it's Australia's happiest state,” Bayliss said.
Making friends with Aussie locals is not too hard, so be brave and have a go. Making friends with people from another country sometimes might not feel easy sometimes. After all, Australia has a different culture to many countries, and even if you speak English, Australia has its own dialect or slang.
Eight in 10 (80%) Australians are describing themselves as happy, however this is a fall from 85% in December 2021, according to Ipsos's latest Global Happiness survey. On average globally, nearly three in four (73%) adults across 32 countries describe themselves as happy.
Being single does not mean you are bad at relationships. In fact, research shows people are staying single for longer and settling down older, and some are choosing to be that way forever. Singledom shouldn't be regarded as anything to be pitied — it should be embraced.