Loneliness in Canberra carries same health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes daily
Research shows loneliness can increase early death risk by 26 percent, matching the health harm of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
A University of Canberra report found that four in 10 Canberrans often or sometimes feel lonely. Loneliness is rising among people aged 30 to 49.
Mental Health Australia found that 64 percent of Australians feel cut off from each other. The Foundation for Social Health warns that loneliness raises the risk of early death by 26 percent.
That's the same harm as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. New interstate and overseas migrants are hit hardest.
The ACT received more than 10,000 overseas migrants and almost 19,000 interstate migrants last year. Remote work has made isolation worse.
Experts say few accessible community services help people experiencing loneliness before they reach crisis point.
- 4 in 10 often or sometimes
- Canberrans feeling lonely
- 64 per cent
- Australians feeling disconnected
- 26 per cent
- Loneliness early death risk increase
- 10,000 overseas plus 19,000 interstate
- ACT migrants last year
Why it mattersLoneliness is a widespread health threat in Canberra as serious as smoking, yet services are scarce and crisis-focused.
AustraliaCanberra's rapid population growth and shift to remote work are leaving thousands without community connection or accessible support.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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