Loneliness and apartment living: The effect on communities
Loneliness and social isolation are becoming increasing problems, but good city planning can help.
Compounded by COVID-19 lockdowns, loneliness is a growing issue for many, affecting people from all walks of life and leading to potentially serious health outcomes.
Recently, the Queensland government launched an inquiry into the effects of loneliness and social isolation, revealing a number of socio-economic factors that predisposed individuals to experiencing loneliness.
While results of the inquiry are still pending, it is expected to offer insight into the causes of loneliness and measures that governments can take to prevent it.
Among the contributors to the inquiry was Strata Community Association (SCA) Queensland, with the organisation suggesting that loneliness and social isolation, as well as the long-term implications of these, may be worsened by apartment living.
With many apartment dwellers living alone, loneliness can at times be profound. Some individuals may find it difficult to participate in community events or programs or may become isolated. Fortunately, there is some evidence to suggest that improved accommodation approaches could reduce the impact of loneliness.
According to some studies, city planning and architecture can have a significant effect when it comes to providing opportunities for community building, meaning that apartment complexes and strata properties may have an important influence over the well-being of residents.
Among measures that guard against social isolation is housing stability, with home ownership and stable accommodation providing a sense of security that can help to promote social engagement and reduce the effects of isolation.
Similarly, access to green spaces could be beneficial in reducing loneliness. Studies conducted at the University of New South Wales indicate reduced levels of loneliness among individuals who spend time in nature and green environments. This means that strata could play a key role in supporting communities to reduce the impact of isolation.
“We have been active in advocating this to the Queensland Government created the recent committee inquiry into loneliness and social isolation. We are committed to ensuring that considerations of strata in policy making becomes the norm for government- this growing sector of our economy and society cannot be forgotten,” said James Nickless, president of SCA Queensland.
Additional information will be made available when the Queensland government publishes its inquiry findings in December 2021.
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