Let’s end loneliness together – one connection at a time

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely? The good news is, helping end loneliness doesn't need to be complicated or costly. A small moment of human connection can make a difference.
 

We've recently partnered with Ending Loneliness Together and in the lead up to Loneliness Awareness Week this 5-11 August, we're encouraging your clients to join us in our mission to end loneliness, by pledging to share a moment of meaningful connection with someone. Anyone can visit the AIA website to make a free pledge and share it with someone in their community.

Evidence shows the correlation between loneliness and the impacts on physical and mental wellbeing[1].

The industry has seen significant increases in claims, particularly those relating to mental health.

 

As such we have placed greater focus on our underwriting and claims team to better support increasing demand from clients experiencing mental health issues.

 

To further highlight the impacts of mental health claims, between 2019 and 2023[2] have increased by 72%. 50% of these claims are due to stress or anxiety related issues, and 29% due to depression or depressive episodes[2].

 

Mental health claims are one of our top three claimed causes for both income protection and total and permanent disability claims.

 

However, it's important to be reminded that loneliness is not just a mental health issue, it impacts our physical health, too. For example, loneliness is associated with a 29% increase of heart disease and 32% increased risk of stroke[3]. Further, type 2 diabetes has increased by 14%[4], and where not treated correctly can lead to other complications such as heart and kidney disease and stroke[5].

So, while a claims payment provides financial support, it doesn't necessarily address the potential root causes. This is why partnerships such as Ending Loneliness Together, help provide added support for people with the aim that any social interaction can improve the wellbeing of those impacted.

During Loneliness Awareness Week, help us normalise conversations about feeling lonely and encourage people to create a culture of connection at home, work, school, and in their community.

 

Loneliness is a biological need, just like hunger or thirst. We all feel lonely at times. It's important to understand that everyone's wellbeing differs. Sometimes, feelings of loneliness can last longer than you expect, or become difficult to manage. We understand that loneliness may not be easily resolved for many people, including those with accessibility issues due to age, health, location, and financial hardship.

 

At AIA we look at ways we can provide support at the various stages. Your AIA clients can access online mental health support anytime through our partner Togetherall, in the Mental Wellbeing Benefit on their AIA Vitality app.

 

If you need support or someone to talk to, you may find one of these helplines useful.

 

 

For tailored mental health support, contact your GP for a referral under the Better Access Initiative.

References