Welcome to Live & Learn Episode 18. In this episode, Megan Gilmour speaks with Associate Professor Michelle Lim, CEO of Ending Loneliness Together, about the impact of loneliness. They explore loneliness as a universal yet stigmatised experience, its effects on health, and the importance of fostering meaningful connections, especially among children with complex health conditions. Michelle shares insights into building social resilience and the need for a national strategy to address loneliness and social isolation in Australia.
Loneliness affects a significant portion of Australians, with 1 in 3 feeling lonely at any given time and 1 in 4 experiencing persistent loneliness. Young people aged 18-24 are particularly impacted, with 41% reporting persistent loneliness. Ending Loneliness Together is a national network of organisations addressing loneliness as a critical social, health, and economic issue.The group raises awareness, builds an evidence base, and develops tools to combat loneliness in Australia.
Read transcript here.
