Ending Loneliness Together - State of the Nation Report 2026 supported by Wallis

A new national report released today by Ending Loneliness Together, in collaboration with the University of Sydney and Wallis Social Research, reveals the scale of loneliness and social isolation across Australia, with more than half of people reporting some form of social disconnection.

Based on responses from 4,001 Australians aged 12 to 95 years, the 2026 Ending Loneliness Together State of the Nation Report provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of social connection in Australia to date.

The findings are sobering:

• 51% of people living in Australia report some form of social disconnection, either loneliness, social isolation, or both.

• Nearly one in five people (19%) report experiencing both loneliness and social isolation.

• Social disconnection affects people across all ages and backgrounds, although some groups experience a greater burden than others.

The report arrives at a time when loneliness is increasingly being recognised not simply as an individual experience, but as a public health and social challenge with implications for wellbeing, community resilience and quality of life.

As Hugh Mackay notes in the report's opening pages:

"Over the past fifty years, we've been making decisions about how to live that have eroded social cohesion and taken a heavy toll on our health."

While the research highlights the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation, it also goes beyond measuring the problem. The report identifies who is most affected, explores where impacts are being felt most acutely, and examines the factors that help foster meaningful connection.

Importantly, the findings point towards opportunities for action. By understanding both the risks and protective factors associated with social connection, policymakers, community organisations, employers and individuals can play a role in strengthening the social fabric that supports health and wellbeing.

Wallis Social Research was proud to support the project through data collection, helping to ensure the findings reflect the experiences of a nationally representative sample of Australians.

Research of this kind provides an essential evidence base for organisations working to address loneliness and social isolation, informing programs, policy and initiatives aimed at building stronger, more connected communities.

Read the report here or check it out on their website here https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/