Retirement Does Not Raise Loneliness Risk

A Monash University study of Australians aged 55 to 75 finds loneliness does not shift around the time of retirement.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Seniors

Retirement Does Not Raise Loneliness Risk

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Monash University researchers found that retirement does not cause elevated loneliness among Australians aged 55 to 75. Loneliness did not change in the three years before or after retirement.

Why it matters

Loneliness is linked to poorer physical health, dementia, high blood pressure and premature death, so understanding its timing helps target support. The findings suggest that gradual loss of social circles, energy and mobility in later life may be more important than the retirement transition itself.

The study followed more than 7400 Australians aged 55 to 75 over two decades using HILDA survey data, with 17.5 per cent reporting they felt very lonely. Researchers did not establish the precise causes of the continuous rise in loneliness from the late 60s onward.

The players

Monash University

An Australian public research university whose researchers conducted the study on loneliness and retirement.

The details

Researchers followed the same Australians over two decades and compared loneliness levels in the three years before and after retirement. Loneliness tends to rise continuously from the late 60s onward, and loss of a spouse can be a key driver.

Loneliness is measured across a two-decade study period.
Loneliness levels are compared in the three years before and after retirement.
Loneliness tends to rise continuously from the late 60s onward.

Seniors Landscape

The study uses the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, a long-running panel that tracks the same households over many years, to examine loneliness across later life. Its findings add to evidence that loneliness follows a U-shape across age, rising among both young and older people.

Loneliness has been linked to poorer physical health, dementia and high blood pressure, so staying socially connected in your 60s and beyond may support long-term health. The study found loneliness affected people regardless of background, income or demographics.

The takeaway

Loneliness appears to build gradually in later life rather than spike at retirement, so keeping social connections active across the 60s and beyond matters. Maintaining contact with friends, family and community groups may help offset the effects of shrinking social circles.