KX Pilates study finds Gen Z has the highest levels of loneliness followed by Millennials
Young Aussies are feeling more isolated now than they did during lockdowns and are turning to exercise to cope, research shows.
Victoria
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More than half of young Australians are more lonely now than they were in the pandemic, new research reveals.
The study from KX Pilates shows Gen Z – people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s – have the highest levels of loneliness (59 per cent), followed by Millennials (41 per cent), Gen X (34 per cent) and Boomers (21 per cent).
Around 60 per cent of Gen Z said they feel more lonely now than they did when Covid restrictions and lockdowns were in place.
Half of Australians surveyed said they experience seasonal depression during the colder months, led by Gen Z (70 per cent), Millennials (63 per cent), Gen X (56 per cent) and Baby Boomers (33 per cent).
Three quarters said they feel anxious, mainly due to finances (49 per cent), conflict in relationships (42 per cent), work (28 per cent) and social media (13 per cent).
It comes as new data from Lifeline shows they have received more contacts via the 24/7 text and web chat services than ever before.
In the first six months of 2023 they recorded 116,389 contacts compared to 97,802 over the same period last year – a 17 per cent spike.
Lifeline is receiving on average 3,009 calls a day this year, with peaks of up to 3,442.
When it comes to de-stressing, Aussies turn to exercise (41 per cent), entertainment (29 per cent) and socialising with friends or the community (24 per cent), the survey of more than 1,000 Australians found.
More than a quarter participate in group exercise.
Social researcher Mark McCrindle said the pandemic has had a “dramatic effect” on the mental health of young generations.
“They were in lockdown when they were meant to be at the most social point in their life, developing crucial skills,” he said.
“There’s been a real flow on effect from that – many still haven’t gone back into regular activities, sport, hobbies or found workplace connections. Working from home is an example of that.”
Mr McCrindle said colder weather and shorter daylight hours can have a direct impact on mood and motivation.
Lifeline’s chief research officer Dr Anna Brooks said it is important to prioritise social interaction for wellbeing.
“Evidence shows us that forging, rekindling or maintaining connection with others can help protect against the negative impacts of social isolation,” she said.
Young Melburnians Lauren Inch, 26, Lily Lazzarotti, 24 and Caitie Tipping, 22, started a run club to “help combat the winter blues”.
“It’s so much harder to feel motivated in winter, especially when it gets dark so early and pitch black by the time you get home from work,” Ms Lazzarotti said.
“Run club has been amazing. I thought it would be embarrassing to run with a group of friends like a little crew, but I love how social it is and how safe I feel.”
KX Pilates is running a 24-Hour Pilates for Mental Health relay to support Lifeline’s 24/7 services on July 22.
To sign up head to 24hourpilates.com
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