Loneliness Awareness Week—held nationally in the first week of August—is a vital time to acknowledge those in retirement villages who may be feeling isolated, even within a community setting. Known also as “Loneliness Awareness Week in Australia,” it shines a spotlight on the importance of connection for all Australians, including older adults.
Acknowledgement for Retirement Village Residents
For those living in retirement villages, this week offers a moment of recognition and reassurance. Whether you’ve recently moved or have lived here for some time, it's completely natural to experience loneliness—even when surrounded by neighbours. Despite being in close proximity to others, true belonging is not automatic. Loneliness can arise from life changes, health setbacks, or the loss of familiar networks.
How Retirement Village Living Can Help Combat Loneliness
There is compelling evidence showing that retirement village living supports greater social inclusion and wellbeing:
- A recent cross-sectional study of 1,178 residents across retirement villages in Queensland and NSW found that nearly 19.4% experienced loneliness. Notably, factors such as living alone, mood issues, lack of someone to rely on, pain, hospitalisations, falls, and memory issues were all significantly associated with higher loneliness.
Encouragingly, those who had been in their village for more than a year were significantly less likely to report loneliness, pointing to the value of integration and early support.
- The Property Council’s Retirement Living Council highlights broad benefits: residents are five times more socially active, twice as likely to catch up with family and friends, 41% happier, 15% more physically active, and have reduced levels of depression and loneliness—all contributing to better mental and emotional health.
- The Catalyst Research Report, surveying over 12,000 Australians aged over 60, found that those in retirement communities scored significantly higher on wellbeing (77.5 on the Catalyst Wellness Index) compared to the overall average (71.3)—affirming the value of community-focused living.
- A University of South Australia study found that retirees living in communities experienced 35% less loneliness than those living independently.
The RVRA’s Role: Advocacy & Awareness
The Retirement Village Residents Association (RVRA) has been leading key initiatives to support residents’ wellbeing:
- In its “Have Your Say” national survey (March 2025), the RVRA collected insights from over 4,100 residents across Australia. The findings showed 84% satisfaction with village life, highlighting security, social connections, and reduced home maintenance as top-valued aspects.
- The RVRA’s “Ageing Without Fear” project—launched in mid‑2023 and highlighted through stories like that of Gloria—at “marks the importance of acknowledging the emotional realities that residents face, including loneliness”.
- They’ve partnered with the DCM Institute to release reports on the lived experiences of residents—covering issues from loneliness to elder abuse—and hosted webinars to share findings and best practices for communities.
- The RVRA has promoted a video “The Age of Loneliness” created by Julie Pallant from Inner Depths Photography that can be viewed in the link below.
In Summary
- Loneliness Awareness Week (early August) is a timely space to highlight that loneliness can touch anyone, including retirement village residents—even amidst apparent community.
- Evidence shows that living in supportive, socially rich retirement communities greatly reduces loneliness, improves happiness, and enhances overall wellbeing.
- The RVRA plays a critical role by amplifying resident voices, publishing insightful research, and advocating for better support, connection, and transparency in retirement living.
A brief Message to Residents from Roger Pallant - RVRA VP
During this Loneliness Awareness Week, know that your experience matters. Community doesn’t always come immediately—it grows over time.
Whether you're new or long-established in your village, you’re not alone in feeling what you do. Reach out where you feel safe—with friends, staff, or fellow residents.
Together, through shared stories and small actions, connection and belonging can deepen.
Organizations like the RVRA are actively listening and advocating for you—and you deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Roger Pallant – RVRA VP