Turning the tide
The Lane Cove community is part of a new research study – the first of its kind in Australia – that has been designed to better understand the predictors of loneliness. The research is hoping to identify the main causes of loneliness and how communities can best address this issue through effective programs. Dr Michelle Lim is a Senior Lecturer at the Iverson Health Innovation Institute in Melbourne and the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Australian Coalition to End Loneliness. Her main research focus to date has been to develop evidence-based psychological interventions that can reduce loneliness in young people with mental ill health. “Loneliness is not just a social issue – it’s also a health issue – and the two most vulnerable groups are 15-25 year olds and over 65 year olds. “Our research so far has shown that one of the biggest predictors for loneliness is a high level of social anxiety. As people start to increasingly feel disconnected from their peers, it impacts their mental health,” says Dr Lim.
“The risk factors that contribute to loneliness are on the rise, with more people living by themselves or away from their support networks, and increasing divorce rates. “By conducting a large-scale research study, we hope to identify and better understand predictors and risk factors, together with the trends in loneliness. With this data, we can better design effective interventions that can be implemented and rolled out within communities.” The research study will take place over the next two years and researchers are hoping to get over 1000 respondents. “Anyone can participate – whether you are feeling lonely or not. We’d love Australians from all walks of life to be involved and we’re hoping that it will provide us with a better understanding of how factors such as age, gender, relationship status and socio-economic
status play into this issue, and its associated impacts on physical health, mental health, network health and overall quality of life.” A forum on this topic is being held in Lane Cove on Tuesday 29th May. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the event to learn more about the science of loneliness and to participate in a discussion forum about how to tackle loneliness. “Loneliness is something that everyone can feel at some point in their lives. By joining forces with the community, we’re hoping to design public health programs that are effective in stemming loneliness. Fruitful discussion assists this process,” says Dr Lim. “Considering how common loneliness is and its long-term health impacts, a better understanding of its causes and what we can do to minimise it is an important step.”
ee page 25 for more information, S or to register, phone 9428 2240.
Early Education Centres
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Imagine this for your child • French Language Program • Yoga and Sport Programs • Music Program • Physiotherapy Mobility
inspiring young minds to be confident individuals
Greenwood Lane Cove
P. 9042 0460 | A. 150 Epping Rd e. lanecove@greenwood.com.au | www.greenwood.com.au
all inclusive
BeneFits • Extended care from 7am– 6pm • In-house qualified chef provides fresh, nutritious meals daily • Unique G-Curriculum and Extra Curricular Programs • From birth to 6 years old • Natural outdoor play areas for children to use for sensory experiences
THE VILLAGE OBSERVER I NO. 273 I MAY 2018 I 19
