Bridging the gap on dementia
How social engagement can tackle loneliness and protect older Australians from cognitive decline.
Despite significant increases in the global population along with greater digital connectivity, the world is reportedly getting lonelier, and more socially isolated.
In Australia, about one in three people feel lonely at least some of the time – up from one in four since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Older adults and those in regional and remote areas are particularly at risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to serious and complex health complications.
One of the key health risks of poor social connections is dementia, the second leading cause of death in Australia. The World Health Organization says that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of developing dementia by a whopping 50%.
To combat this issue, researchers at UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) launched an online study addressing the role of social engagement in maintaining brain function and wellbeing.
This world-first research, led by social health expert and clinical psychologist Dr Suraj Samtani, aims to provide expert support and activities for people over 55 with memory concerns to stay socially engaged. The research, which has big potential benefits, is conducted via video calls.
“Evidence suggests that being socially active reduces risk of dementia by half,” says Dr Samtani. “This is even after taking into account all other risk factors for dementia.”
One in three Australians over 65 live in rural and remote areas of Australia. According to the 2023 Ending Loneliness Together Report, 35% of those people are lonely.
These communities face challenges accessing services and experience significant geographic and resource barriers against social activities, all of which have negative health consequences.
“Interacting with friends and family, but especially having a confidante – someone you trust – is a critical factor in not feeling lonely,” says Dr Samtani.
“Social connection for us is a basic human need, just like food and water.”
Carolyn Monaghan, who lives in Warrnambool, Victoria, 270km from Melbourne, has been participating in the study since 1 March 2024.
“I’ve never participated in research before and I now value social connection more than ever,” she says.
“Being part of this study group has given me mental stimulation and friendship. It’s made me feel good and I’ve definitely looked forward to the Zoom sessions.”
Dr Samtani says it is important to note the difference between social isolation and loneliness.
“Being socially isolated is the physical state of having less interactions with other people. Loneliness is the emotional state of feeling disconnected from the people around us and feeling the need for more rewarding social connections,” he says.
Ms Monaghan had found herself becoming more socially isolated following her father’s vascular dementia diagnosis.
“It’s so easy to end up doing nothing, talking to no one and finding yourself dull and boring,” she says.
According to Dr Samtani, the health risks of social isolation and loneliness are comparable to excessive drinking and daily smoking.
“Loneliness is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day [and] being lonely can increase your risk of getting dementia by 26%,” he says.
Conversely, according to the longest happiness study ever conducted, social connectivity can delay the start of physical health conditions by 10-15 years.
The Harvard-led study found that our relationships with people have a powerful influence on health, and that close relationships are the key to maintaining happiness throughout our lives.
“Quality relationships protect us from dealing with life’s minor and major troubles on our own,” explains Dr Samtani.
“Strong social connections are far more important than just having lots of connections. They help us to prevent or delay health issues – mental and physical.”
Ms Monaghan has found that the research has encouraged her to do more.
“I was starting to think I couldn’t be bothered to go out sometimes and I was worried I was becoming demotivated with life,” she says.
“Being part of this research has encouraged me to go to social groups and say ‘yes’ to outings because I feel so much better for it.”
