Staying socially connected in regional WA 

We know that moments of genuine connection can make a powerful difference to a person’s life and wellbeing. This is especially true for those living with disability or age-related challenges.  

Yet even in our busy and connected world, and even if we’re physically surrounded by people, social isolation and feelings of loneliness can still appear.  

If you live in a regional area, feelings of social isolation can seem stronger. Greater distances, fewer social opportunities, and transport challenges can make it harder to stay connected. 

At Avivo, we care about your mental wellbeing as an important part of your overall health and the support you might be receiving.   

This blog shares few tips to help you understand what loneliness and social isolation feels like and explore more ways to genuinely connect with others when you live in regional areas. 

You’re not alone in feeling lonely 

With 43% of Western Australians reporting feeling lonely more than once a month¹, you’re not alone if you feel the same way – it’s more common than you think. 

Nationally, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that in 2023, among those aged 55-64, it was men who experienced higher levels of both social isolation and loneliness. 

As you get older, or if you live with a disability or mental illness, loneliness might feel like the world is getting smaller because your mobility, confidence, or support has changed. 

The difference between social isolation and loneliness 

Social isolation and loneliness are often talked about together, but they’re not quite the same thing.  

• Social isolation is about having fewer people around you or less regular contact with others. 

• Loneliness, on the other hand, is how you feel – it’s that sense of missing connection or wishing your relationships felt deeper or more meaningful. 

Both are things you might experience if you live in remote or rural areas where it may feel harder to stay connected to others or feel part of a wider community. 

Why connection matters 

Feelings of loneliness can impact our mental health, self-esteem, energy levels, and overall quality of life.   

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that social isolation has been linked to mental illness, emotional distress, the development of dementia, and poor health behaviours including smoking.² 

Research shows that being socially active and staying connected protects mental wellbeing³ and reduces the risk of loneliness and depression.  

The many benefits of mental wellbeing include: 

• increased life expectancy 

• better physical health 

• greater productivity 

• and increased creativity.⁴ 

Connection in the community  

Community connection can look different depending on whether you’re navigating age-related or disability challenges. But what we do know is that connection doesn’t have to mean big friendship circles or busy events.  

Many people thrive on small, every day, meaningful moments, such as:  

• being a ‘regular’ at the local coffee shop 

• attending a weekly group 

• a friendly chat on a morning walk 

• discussing a favourite hobby or tv show with a new friend.  

Finding more social connection 

In-person connection  

Small but relational moments have the power to fill our cups so we can pour from overflow, not emptiness. When these moments happen in your own community, they will lift your confidence, strengthen your wellbeing, and help you feel grounded and seen in the place that you live.  

To experience the right in-person connection, you could start by visiting or volunteering at your local: 

• Men’s Shed of WA;

• The Salvation Army;  

• RSL Club; 

• library; 

• local community centre; and 

• gardening, arts, or sports club. 

You could also think about starting a small circle of your own. With support like an Avivo Small Sparks grant, you can create something around an interest like reading or walking – chances are they are other people who would like to do the same thing. 

Online connection 

Check out: 

• your suburb or area’s local community Facebook page; 

• event directories for your area on Humanitix, Eventbrite, or your local council website; 

• Ending Loneliness Directory; or

• Headspace’s online communities. 

Coping with loneliness  

When loneliness shows up, even small steps can help shift how you’re feeling.  

Here are a few simple ideas to try: 

• talk to a trusted friend or professional about how you’re feeling; 

• think about getting a pet or look after someone else’s pet; 

• explore the ideas above for easy in-person connection opportunities; and 

• reframe time alone as an opportunity to rest and do things that quietly restore your energy. 

If you need confidential support and a professional: 

• talk to a counsellor over the phone for free with an organisation like Lifeline or Beyond Blue; or 

• explore eligibility for a mental health care plan, which can cover sessions with a psychologist. 

How Avivo can help 

At Avivo, our personalised aged care, disability, veteran and mental health support helps people feel less alone and more like themselves in regional areas. 

For nearly 60 years, we’ve empowered our customers all over Western Australia to live a full, confident, and meaningful life grounded in connection with community. 

We’ve embedded social supports and connection as a key feature across our services because we believe that good relationships aren’t a nice extra – they’re an essential part of health, happiness, and independence.  

This looks like Support Workers who: 

• Live and work in the same community as you 

They can help you discover local activities that suit your interests, while also sharing the everyday knowledge that makes life easier and more enjoyable – like where to grab a good coffee. 

• Are matched to your personality  

We’ll make sure they’re carefully matched to you based on personality, preferences, and the type of support needed so they can become a trusted person in your life. 

A healthier, more connected life 

Connection in regional areas may take a little more effort, but it can also be deeply meaningful.  

Whether it’s through familiar faces, local activities, or simple everyday interactions, these moments all add up to a stronger sense of belonging. 

Avivo’s local and inclusive support network is here to help you do this. 

If you’d like some more ideas or someone to talk to, get in touch with our friendly team today for a no-strings chat.