Addressing loneliness through intergenerational engagement (Research Spotlight)

Loneliness is often thought of as a fleeting emotion, but for many people, especially older adults with limited to no familial or social support, it can become a persistent experience with significant implications on their health.

As individuals age, they often encounter major life transitions (such as retirement, the loss of a spouse, or declining mobility), which can gradually diminish social networks and contribute to feelings of social isolation, disconnection, or lack of purpose. These experiences are not only detrimental to mental wellbeing but can also adversely affect physical health and overall quality of life.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 16% of Australians aged 65 and older experience loneliness, while 11% experience social isolation—figures that are likely to grow as our population ages. But what if we could address loneliness not just through more services but in how we live and who we live alongside?

Two recent studies from Torrens University Australia’s Centre for Healthy Sustainable Development (CHSD) highlight the vital role of intergenerational engagement in reducing loneliness and supporting healthy ageing in the community.

The “Ageing in Place” white paper explores how older Australians can remain independent and connected while living at home. It also raises a critical issue: support workers—who are essential to enabling this independence—often lack adequate support themselves. The study calls for stronger government investment and policy reform to ensure the aged care workforce is adequately trained, resourced, and recognised.

Meanwhile, the case study “Exploring how the built environment facilitates intergenerational engagement” examines how well-designed shared spaces can foster meaningful relationships between generations, enhancing wellbeing for all.

Together, these studies make it clear: the future of aged care must prioritise community connection, inclusive environments, and comprehensive support for those who care for our ageing population.

Key findings

Here are some mental health-related insights from both studies:

• Most older adults prefer to age at home, but this isn’t always a viable option. Barriers such as limited family support, inadequate government assistance, and insecure housing often make ageing in place difficult for many.

• Loneliness and social isolation remain significant concerns, with strong links to poor mental and physical health outcomes in older populations.

• Intergenerational engagement has emerged as a viable solution, benefiting not only older adults but also younger people who likewise experience loneliness and social isolation.

• Purpose-built intergenerational housing helps reduce isolation, with the built environment study showing that shared, age-inclusive spaces can encourage authentic friendships and meaningful interactions between generations

• The intergenerational model addresses multiple societal challenges, from ageism and loneliness to the housing crisis, by creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages can live, learn, and thrive together.

From the expert herself

We sat with Associate Professor Clare Litttleton, who is also the Director of Torrens University’s Centre for Healthy Sustainable Development, to tackle loneliness, isolation, and community engagement further.

How does loneliness and social isolation affect us as we age?

Australia’s population is ageing rapidly, with projections showing that by 2066, more than 20% of the population will be over 65, and the number of people aged over 80 is expected to triple over the next 40 years. What’s concerning is that this growing demographic is also experiencing high levels of loneliness and social isolation.

Research suggests that due to these issues, they have seen real declines in mental, psychological, and social well-being for adults as they age. That’s why the World Health Organisation has called this a pressing public health issue that needs immediate attention.

It’s also interesting to note that children and youth are also experiencing higher levels of social isolation and loneliness, especially post-pandemic. One of the ways we know that helps counteract this issue for both generations is meaningful intergenerational engagement, where both older adults and children and youth benefit from regular interactions that can lead to knowledge exchange, social support, mentoring, and ultimately friendship.

In Australia, there are some innovative ideas emerging where the aged care and education sectors are working together to connect generations in a sustainable way through locating housing for older adults and learning environments on the same site.

What are the key differences between purpose-built integrated housing and a typical retirement home?

A purpose-built intergenerational housing environment is an emerging format of housing development within Australia, which typically places a residential aged care setting and educational setting (early learning centre/primary school/secondary school) on the same site.

During the design phase, architects, alongside other stakeholders, consider how the places and spaces they create within this environment foster meaningful intergenerational engagement between the aged care residents and children/youth, with the aim of ensuring older and younger generations feel a sense of belonging and community, thus reducing social isolation and loneliness.

What feedback did you receive from the architect and stakeholders who developed a purpose-built intergenerational housing environment?

In our study, the success of the project was largely driven by strong leadership, where key leaders from both the aged care and education setting shared a compelling vision to embed intergenerational practice in the design of the building. The aim was to foster meaningful intergenerational interactions between the older adults and children, creating a real sense of community. This vision set the tone for the team and helped formalise partnerships and secure support.

Equally important was the balance of goals. All partners approached the project with an openness to balance commercial objectives with social and environmental goals, ensuring that intergenerational practices were embedded from the outset.

The team’s success also relied on a combination of the right expertise and shared values, with a collaborative attitude that consistently prioritised the needs of the end users. Additionally, early involvement of all key stakeholders, such as tenants and service providers, was crucial for ensuring alignment and support.

Effective communication, clear messaging, and a mutual understanding of roles and expectations further contributed to the project’s success.

What feedback did you receive from the end users—participants and younger children—who live and play within a purpose-built intergenerational housing environment?

In our study, we used a method called Photovoice to explore how an intergenerational purpose-built environment influenced the experiences of both older adults and preschool-aged children.

Participants, both young and old, highlighted the importance of green space and natural light. Features like gardens and large windows didn’t just improve the physical environment, they became catalysts for connection and shared activity. Children demonstrated care and empathy, while older adults expressed joy and gratitude for their interactions with the children. These everyday moments built strong social ties and emotional wellbeing for both groups.

We found that these spaces can foster strong, meaningful relationships across generations, creating a sense of belonging and community. They also support key public health goals—helping older adults age in place and reducing social isolation.

Looking ahead intergenerational engagement is key to creating sustainable, inclusive environments where all generations can thrive.

What are the next steps for CHSD in advancing intergenerational housing models across Australia?

The next step in our research is to focus on conducting additional case studies across Australia and internationally to build a comprehensive evidence base and potentially a best practice model for these types of initiatives. This could be used by governments, NGOs, and private companies when designing these intergenerational housing environments—one that not only considers stakeholder perspectives but also prioritises the needs and experiences of the end users, older adults and children.

We are committed to ensuring that our research includes a diverse range of case studies. As we get deeper into this area of research, we recognise that some aged care facilities are not purpose-built for these dual functions; instead, education spaces are retrofitted into existing aged care environments.

As the intergenerational movement continues to grow in Australia, it's crucial that our research reflects these varied housing models, as it means more adults and children will potentially experience the benefits of meaningful intergenerational engagement.

How to know more information about this research?

If you want to dig deeper, you may reach out to Torrens University or connect with Clare Littleton through email: clare.littleton@torrens.edu.au.