Environments of belonging in older age: Cross-level influences on social connectedness in Australia
1
School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
2
School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
3
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
4
Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
5
Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Loneliness and social isolation are major public health challenges that compromise wellbeing and healthy ageing. While evidence on individual risk factors is well-established, less is known about the environmental and community contexts that shape opportunities for social connection. This study explored how older Australians perceive and experience multi-level influences on social connectedness within their local communities.
METHODS:
Four focus groups were conducted with fifteen adults aged 60 years and older living in metropolitan and regional New South Wales, Australia. Participants were purposively sampled to reflect diverse community contexts. A qualitative descriptive approach guided by the social-ecological model was used. Transcripts were analysed thematically using directed content analysis to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to social connection at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels.
RESULTS:
Participants described connection as an outcome of overlapping environmental influences rather than personal disposition alone. Three cross-level patterns emerged: (1) personality traits interacting with local spaces and interpersonal “connection catalysts”; (2) digital technology shaping opportunities and barriers to connection across ecological levels; and (3) community design and policy environments enabling or constraining participation. Examples included accessible public transport, the presence of small local businesses, and affordable community programs. Together, these findings show how the built, social, and policy environments interconnect to sustain belonging and participation in later life.
CONCLUSIONS:
Reducing loneliness and promoting connection in older populations requires multi-level strategies that align personal capabilities with supportive community and policy environments. By highlighting the lived experience of environmental determinants, this study demonstrates how public health approaches can move beyond individual interventions to create inclusive, connection-rich communities that support healthy ageing.
Loneliness and social isolation are major public health challenges that compromise wellbeing and healthy ageing. While evidence on individual risk factors is well-established, less is known about the environmental and community contexts that shape opportunities for social connection. This study explored how older Australians perceive and experience multi-level influences on social connectedness within their local communities.
METHODS:
Four focus groups were conducted with fifteen adults aged 60 years and older living in metropolitan and regional New South Wales, Australia. Participants were purposively sampled to reflect diverse community contexts. A qualitative descriptive approach guided by the social-ecological model was used. Transcripts were analysed thematically using directed content analysis to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to social connection at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels.
RESULTS:
Participants described connection as an outcome of overlapping environmental influences rather than personal disposition alone. Three cross-level patterns emerged: (1) personality traits interacting with local spaces and interpersonal “connection catalysts”; (2) digital technology shaping opportunities and barriers to connection across ecological levels; and (3) community design and policy environments enabling or constraining participation. Examples included accessible public transport, the presence of small local businesses, and affordable community programs. Together, these findings show how the built, social, and policy environments interconnect to sustain belonging and participation in later life.
CONCLUSIONS:
Reducing loneliness and promoting connection in older populations requires multi-level strategies that align personal capabilities with supportive community and policy environments. By highlighting the lived experience of environmental determinants, this study demonstrates how public health approaches can move beyond individual interventions to create inclusive, connection-rich communities that support healthy ageing.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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