Australia’s aged care sector is facing more than physical health challenges. A quieter but equally serious concern is emerging: the widespread issue of loneliness and declining mental health among older adults. While aged care policy often focuses on medical services and workforce shortages, the emotional and psychological wellbeing of residents remains alarmingly overlooked.

More than one in three Australians over the age of 75 report feeling lonely on a regular basis, according to a 2023 study by Ending Loneliness Together. This sense of isolation can be especially strong in residential aged care facilities, where links to family, community and meaningful activity are often disrupted. The shift from independent living to institutional care can bring a sudden loss of autonomy, identity and social connection, all of which are critical for mental health.

The number of Australians aged 85 and older is expected to more than double in the next 25 years, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Supporting emotional wellbeing is no longer optional. It is a growing public health issue that demands urgent attention.
Loneliness is not just a matter of mood. It is closely associated with serious physical outcomes. Research shows that chronic loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It increases the risk of heart disease, dementia and depression. For people already living with frailty or cognitive impairment, the absence of meaningful social interaction can accelerate decline.

In aged care homes, where many residents manage complex health conditions, mental health support must sit alongside physical care. Yet for decades, aged care funding models have prioritised clinical services and staffing levels, with limited provision for emotional support or connection-based programming.

There are encouraging signs of change. Some progressive facilities and not-for-profit organisations are exploring approaches that put connection at the heart of care. Intergenerational learning programs, where local school students regularly visit aged care homes, have been shown to reduce depression and improve memory retention. Pet therapy, music therapy and group storytelling are also proving valuable for residents who might otherwise spend much of their day in silence.

Simple environmental changes can also make a difference. Homes built around shared gardens, communal dining areas and open-plan lounges encourage spontaneous interaction. Culturally inclusive practices, such as language-specific support groups and culturally familiar meals and music, help older people retain a sense of identity and belonging.

However, these innovations are not yet the norm. Most aged care homes remain under-resourced when it comes to mental health. Personal care workers, already stretched thin, often lack the time and training to offer consistent emotional support.

Recent reforms following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety have begun to tackle some of these gaps. There is now increased transparency, 24/7 registered nursing requirements and a new focus on residents’ psychological wellbeing within quality indicators. But implementation remains patchy.

According to the Aged Care Workforce Census, only 3 per cent of staff in residential aged care identify as mental health professionals. Without targeted investment in training and recruitment, the sector will struggle to meet the growing mental health needs of its ageing population.
For many older Australians, remaining at home is a clear preference. Community-based aged care services, such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages, offer a more flexible model of care. These services allow older adults to receive support with daily tasks while staying connected to their neighbourhoods and families.

But these programs face their own challenges. Long waiting lists and administrative hurdles mean that many people do not get the help they need when they need it. Mental health support in home-based care is even more limited than in residential settings.

Technology may offer part of the solution. Telehealth counselling, virtual companionship programmes and AI-powered reminders have potential to support emotional wellbeing in the home. Yet digital literacy and access remain major barriers, particularly for older people who do not have close family support.

As Australia prepares for a much older population, the focus in aged care must shift. It is not enough to add beds or build facilities. We need care environments where older adults feel seen, valued and connected. That means integrating mental health services into everyday care, investing in emotional care training for all aged care staff, and designing physical and social spaces that make connection easier.

It also means recognising the emotional realities older people face. These include the grief of losing long-time friends, the disorientation of leaving their home, and the quiet fear of losing independence. These experiences are not side issues. They are central to wellbeing and quality of life.