Mental Health and Wellbeing July 2025
Monday, 30 June 2025

On Friday the 27th of June, on a very chilly Friday morning we brought the walk back to more familiar territory for many, Shelly beach at Manly, for a brisk walk to North Steyne surf club and back. A great contingent from the 91 vintage as well as guys from the 60s and 80s. Some great conversation, catching up with mates and sharing stories and how things are going in life generally. Next walk will be in August. Watch out for dates in next newsletter!

Talking Loneliness

Loneliness in Australia is a growing public health concern affecting a broad cross-section of the population, particularly young adults and middle-aged men. Recent data shows that around 40% of 18–24-year-olds report feeling lonely often or always, while men aged 45–54 are the second most affected group. For many men in midlife, loneliness is often invisible, shaped by demanding work schedules, relationship breakdowns, and social norms that discourage emotional vulnerability. Strikingly, men aged 35–49 are nearly three times more likely to experience high levels of loneliness than those over 65.

Importantly, loneliness is not the same as social isolation. Social isolation refers to the objective lack of contact, while loneliness is the subjective experience of disconnection - a feeling that one's social relationships are insufficient or unfulfilling. Transient loneliness is part of being human, but when it becomes chronic, it has serious consequences. Long-term loneliness is associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Economically, the cost is staggering - loneliness is estimated to cost $2.7 billion annually in health-related expenses, according to Dr Michelle Lim, scientific chair of "Ending Loneliness Together".

One of the most effective antidotes is "connection to community". Activities like volunteering, joining a local club, reconnecting with old friends, or getting involved in interest-based groups—be it a book club, local sport, or purpose-led men's gathering - can restore the social fabric. As simple as it sounds, regular contact and shared purpose are powerful steps toward rebuilding belonging. 

Listening, reading & exploring 

SBS Insight: "Bromance" dives into the challenges men face making meaningful friendships in Australia 

SBS podcast: "Australians are becoming lonely" – Explores how social media, housing pressures, and Gen Z's digital world contribute to isolation—and where positives can be found 

Relationships NSW - The 'Friendship Recession': Why Men Struggle to Build and Keep Close Friends 

A recent submission to Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society, by the Black Dog Institute, Reach Out and Beyond Blue Outlines how more complex issue is relative to what the media reports, the negatives but also the positives of social media for human connections 

The Wednesday Waffle 

One recent example of old boys staying connected is an informal initiative called the Wednesday Waffle, run by Michael Cistulli (OR2016) and some of his close mates. 

Some of these mates have moved away from Sydney or ventured abroad, including Michael himself who is now living in London. The Wednesday Waffle involves the group all sending in a 1-2 min video of themselves into the chat, "waffling" about how they are going, what they've been up to during that week, what's coming up, and anything in between. Everyone then reacts to each others "waffles". The Waffle is not only a great way that Michael and his friends can stay connected amongst each other but also can serve as a good way to check in with themselves and vent to each other if needed. It's easy to forget to message or call friends that you haven't in a while as life gets in the way with other commitments. The weekly prompt of it being Wednesday and needing to send your video can aid these things and it's a useful reminder to stay on top of it.

If any of the above resonates with you, or you think one of your mates is suffering loneliness give them a call, ping them an email message to catch up, or record a video and hot send. 

As always, we welcome your ideas regarding, speakers, stories or events. Please reach out to Sam Shepherd at sam.shepherd@oiu.org.au if you'd like to contribute. Let's keep supporting each other.