Younger people and women lonelier this festive season

While for many it’s one of the happiest seasons on the event calendar, for some the festive season may increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.

New data from the Australian Red Cross reveals that one in three people feel lonely during the festive season, and this is said to be a significant increased from 2020.

The annual survey of 1000 people commissioned by the Red Cross reveals it is people in the younger age bracket, 18 – 29, who feel more alone, and more women (40%) say they feel lonely compared to men (26%). 

The rate of loneliness has reportedly increased on pre-pandemic years. 

“After a tumultuous year of snap lockdowns and significant restrictions across Australia, it’s not surprising that people are feeling they have lost connections, are experiencing loneliness and are a little hesitant about the festive season,” says Red Cross Director of Volunteering Penny Harrison. 

“It’s also apparent that younger people are worried about possible border closures keeping them from family and friends.”  

According to the survey, one in three people say they are less excited for the festive season than in previous years, and 61% of people are concerned about vulnerable family and friends being lonely if travel restrictions were in place. 

“While the survey offers a sobering look at how Australians are feeling heading into what will be their second Covid festive period, it was heart–warming that three quarters of people surveyed believe we need to look after more vulnerable people at this time of year,” says Ms Harrison. 

“There are plenty of things everyone can do to try and make life a little brighter for people who are struggling.

“Pick up the phone and reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to this year or check in on a neighbour who lives alone.  

“We also found a surprisingly high number of people don’t have plans for Christmas Day –one in five respondents who live alone, or who are aged over 70 – so we’d encourage people to reach out to those who are isolated.”  

A team of Red Cross volunteers is expected to make more than 2,700 social support calls nationally to people on Christmas day as part of the TeleCross program, a service that runs 365 days a year.   

“For many people this is the only conversation they will have that day. 

“Our volunteers want to make someone’s day a little brighter knowing someone has reached out and is happy to listen,” says Ms Harrison. 

How to give the gift of a brighter day

The Red Cross suggests a number of ways how we can all give the gift of a brighter day this festive season:

• Pick up the phone and reconnect with people you’ve lost touch with. 
• Check in on a neighbour who lives alone or send them a friendly note in the mailbox.  
• Volunteer for the Red Cross or other organisations to lend a hand in your community 
• Donate to the Red Cross so we can deliver services helping socially isolated people form meaningful and life-affirming connections.