Overcoming loneliness: how art will tackle the next great social challenge

Within little more than a decade, more Australians will live alone than in nuclear families. The arts will be essential to ensuring that we do not face an epidemic of loneliness.
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Image via Senior Living Residences

‘Loneliness is as big a threat to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,’ UK researcher Janet Morrison told the recent International Arts and Health Conference in Melbourne.

Morrison’s research suggests that loneliness is more detrimental than obesity or a lack of exercise. Particularly in older people, a lack of social connection correlates with higher levels of depression and lower levels of physical health.

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Troy Nankervis
About the Author
Troy Nankervis is an ArtsHub journalist from Melbourne. Follow him on twitter @troynankervis