In brief
Researchers followed 7,434 Australians aged 55‑75 for almost twenty years and found no change in loneliness before or after retirement, suggesting that aging—not the transition out of work—is the main factor in rising loneliness. The study recommends focusing on long‑term social connections, especially for those facing major life events such as losing a spouse.
A Monash University study released on November 2 found that retirement does not increase loneliness among older Australians. The research followed 7,434 people aged 55 to 75 for nearly two decades, comparing loneliness levels before and after they left the workforce.
The team used data from the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey to track each individual’s feelings of loneliness over time. They found no measurable change in loneliness during the three years before or after retirement.
About 17.5 percent of the participants reported high levels of loneliness. The research showed that loneliness tended to rise gradually from the late 60s, indicating that the aging process is more closely linked to growing isolation than the act of retiring.
These findings were consistent across all demographic and socioeconomic groups examined, including people with different incomes, wealth levels and occupational backgrounds.
According to Monash researchers, efforts to reduce loneliness should focus on sustaining social connections throughout later life rather than targeting retirement alone. They also noted the importance of supporting people who experience major life events, such as the loss of a spouse.