Some older Australians fear entering aged care due to losing independence, social connection, and emotional support.

Curtin University psychology academic Emily Corti said a recent meta-analysis study conducted by the National Library of Medicine found that while aged care services have improved in recent years, up to 60 percent of aged care residents experience loneliness.

“One in 10 older Australians over 65 in the community have depression, but this figure quadruples in aged care settings, with three in five experiencing some form of mental illness,” she said.

Dr Corti noted depression and anxiety were most common among older adults, largely due to poor physical health, social isolation, and loss of their family home or independence.

Bob, 80, and Dawn Wall, 77, who live in a North Perth retirement village, said their current lifestyle keeps them active and socially connected – something they fear would change if they transition into aged care. Engaging in regular exercise programs, family dinners, resident excursions and bingo or movie nights promotes this connected lifestyle.

“We don’t fancy the idea, but I don’t want to be a burden on the family either … it’s the family I’m more concerned about, ” Mr Wall said.

Mrs Wall said: “It would be nice if they had couple’s rooms. That’s one thing we hope for in the future.”

Ron Ginn lives in a retirement village, while his wife Rosemary Ginn has lived in aged care for more than five years with Alzheimer’s disease.

When Ms Ginn first arrived, she would often become distressed and ask to go home or look for Mr Ginn.

“She’s still my girl. She has been for 67 years,” Mr Ginn said.

“I originally visited her six days a week, then five and now four days [because] it’s just too hard on me; I wish I could visit her every day.

“I don’t think I’d like to go into an aged care home, I’m a very independent person … I feel like it would take that away from me.”

Dr Corti said social isolation can worsen brain health and is closely linked to mental health decline. 

“People are more likely to experience greater changes in cognition when they’re not socialising and staying active,” she said.

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare backs this up, with statistics suggesting across all age groups, mental health conditions were more common among those living alone. 

“We certainly know that any kind of support for community-based programs like social clubs, volunteering, older adult exercise groups have always really been shown to foster key benefits in combatting social isolation,” Dr Corti said.

Registered nurse Marissa Pineda has worked in the aged care industry for eight years.

“I have numerous sad stories, like one particular resident, she never wanted her family to be informed when she was sick,” she said.

“It’s heartbreaking to see that level of isolation.”

Residents like the Walls believe the key to ageing well lies in staying connected with their community.

Mrs Wall said: “It makes you feel younger when you have that social connection with people.”