Loneliness Awareness Week: How aged care is rewriting the script on connection

As Loneliness Awareness Week (4–10 August 2025) highlights a growing silent epidemic, aged care providers across Australia are taking meaningful action to reconnect older Australians — one moment, one message, and one story at a time.

“The silence is deafening”

The emotional toll of isolation on older adults is well known to those working in aged care. As family connections fade, lifelong friends pass on, and communities become increasingly fragmented, many older Australians are left without even a single conversation for days or weeks.

Uniting NSW.ACT is among those calling for a coordinated response to the issue. Recent figures show that 60% of older adults in NSW feel lonely, and one in four experience extreme loneliness. Half are socially isolated, with little or no regular contact with others.

“For many, the silence is deafening,” said Simon Furness, Director of Property and Housing at Uniting NSW.ACT. “We must create spaces where friendships can grow, and where people can rediscover the joy of being part of something again.”

Uniting believes that staying close to the places people know and love is only part of the solution. While remaining in familiar neighbourhoods is important, it’s not enough to protect against loneliness. What matters is building welcoming, connected communities that offer purpose and belonging.

At Uniting’s communities, residents co-create their own social calendars, leading everything from knitting groups and tai chi to book clubs, trivia nights and walking groups.

As Hawkins Place resident Pauline shared, “I found friends, laughter, and a reason to look forward to each day.”

Connection, one message at a time

In Victoria, a new digital initiative is helping aged care residents feel less alone. Melbourne-based Medical & Aged Care Group (MACG) has adopted the TeaTime platform, a social app that allows aged care residents and families to share messages, videos and photos. It’s now being used to deliver messages of kindness from volunteers to those most at risk of isolation.

The feature, called Messages for Good, has already delivered more than 35,000 moments of connection in aged care homes around Australia.

“Even a small message can mean the world to someone who is experiencing loneliness,” said TeaTime co-founder Jimmy Leishman. “This new channel gives everyday Australians a chance to help the elderly feel seen, valued and remembered.”

MACG, the first provider to implement TeaTime across all its homes, says the benefits are clear. “It helps residents stay connected to their loved ones and to the wider community,” said CEO Cameron McPherson. “And now, Messages for Good is helping reach those who may not have regular visitors.”

Real stories with real impact

In South Australia, Eldercare is supporting residents through storytelling. As part of its wellbeing strategy, the organisation has published a booklet, Wisdom on Living with Loneliness, which shares honest reflections and advice from residents who have experienced loneliness themselves.

Drawn from conversations led by Eldercare’s Spiritual Care team, the booklet is the product of narrative therapy, helping residents reflect on their own experiences and support others in similar situations.

Chief Executive Jane Pickering said the aim is to reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations. “This booklet is about building a culture of compassion, where loneliness is met with understanding, not silence.”

Resident Averil said the stories resonated deeply. “I really thought ‘that’s me’ when reading the stories. I have experienced and felt similar things. I think this booklet will help other residents with loneliness.”

Every moment matters

From digital messages to community gardens, book clubs to personal storytelling, providers across the country are showing how aged care can be a place of connection and purpose.

Whether through a quick chat, a shared meal or a kind note from a stranger, each act of connection is a step toward a more compassionate aged care system.

“It’s not about buildings or programs,” said Simon Furness. “It’s about people. Every smile, every friendship, every conversation matters.”

Loneliness Awareness Week offers a moment to pause and reflect on how society responds to isolation in later life. While policy and services have an important role to play, some of the most meaningful shifts begin at a personal level. Being present, taking time to listen, and noticing who is missing from the conversation are small acts, but they have a lasting impact. In an ageing population, these gestures may be among the most powerful and overlooked forms of care.