Lonelygenic environments

Social isolation and loneliness can impact heart health through behavioural, psychological and physiological effects.

Traditionally, treatments to help overcome loneliness have focused on mental health and wellbeing, and prescription of medications.

More recently, public health researchers are looking at the role our built environments play.

This includes the built environment’s role in contributing to loneliness and social isolation, as well as its potential to help address and overcome these issues.

The term ‘lonelygenic environments’ has been used to describe the ways in which the built environment contributes to a sense of loneliness, through planning and design outcomes. [1] These include neighbourhoods where there are limited spaces and infrastructure for connection and interaction.

The effects of the built environment on social isolation and loneliness can be most felt by those who are already vulnerable in our communities, including for older people, people living with a disability and disadvantaged populations.

In contrast, walkable neighbourhoods provide spaces and infrastructure that facilitate and enable social connection, as well as a sense of community and belonging.



‘Third places’ within community settings are important in contributing solutions for community connection and interaction to help overcome social isolation and loneliness. ‘Third places’ are those distinct from home (the first place) and work or education (the second place). Third places can include community hubs, local cafes, libraries, parks, community gardens, sporting and recreational facilities, places of worship and other places where community members can connect with others outside of home or work/education.

Walking, wheeling, bike riding and use of public transport also offer greater opportunities for social connection than driving private vehicles.

Urban and transport planning can be shaped to enhance opportunities for social connection by prioritising community interaction and health through the design and delivery of built environments.

It’s important that all areas across Australia provide people-friendly streets and places to connect with others. Places to stop, linger and enjoy. Places to play, socialise and connect.

Our ‘Sense of Place’ design module can provide further guidance on this topic.

  [1] Feng, X., & Astell-Burt, T. (2022). Lonelygenic environments: a call for research on multilevel determinants of loneliness. The Lancet. Planetary health, 6(12), e933–e934. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00306-0