Why knowing your neighbours is good for your health

Popping in to grab a cup of sugar from your neighbour could actually be healthier than you think. With loneliness now seen as a major health issue, those who have a good relationship with their neighbours are reaping the benefits.

According to Relationships Australia, the awareness of social isolation and loneliness has increased in recent years, so much so that it’s now seen as a significant public health and wellbeing issue. One place this health issue can be reduced is in the local neighbourhood.

“One of the biggest drivers I see as a GP in mental health issues is loneliness, so I think neighbourhoods have the potential to really counter some of that,” says Dr Grant Blashki, lead clinical advisor at Beyond Blue.

“Those little smiles, g’day in the street, can just make a huge difference. It’s such a small thing but can change the whole culture of a region.”

Loneliness in today’s connected digital age is higher than many would think. Last year, the Australian Psychological Society collaborated with Swinburne University on a study of loneliness in Australia.

The study found that a staggering one in four Australians feel lonely, which can lead to physical and mental health issues such as heart disease and depression. Thirty per cent didn’t even feel like they had a close group of friends.

“We know how vital neighbours are to each other during bushfires, floods and emergencies, but everyday actions like collecting the mail, borrowing some eggs or a mower, bringing in the bins, or checking on a neighbour you’ve not seen in a while, are often forgotten,” says Sam Robinson, campaign manager at Relationships Australia.

“We live in a very fast society. I think many of us spend our time on screens and on our phones, so are closed off from our neighbours,” says Dr Blashki. 

The elderly, disabled and single parents are the most at risk of social isolation. When neighbours look out for each other, the chances of loneliness are reduced. 

“A sense of connection can make it a lot more pleasant place to live. High levels of trust and identity, that’s some great modelling for kids. Ultimately, there’s much more kindness helping people who can be quite vulnerable in the community,” says Dr Blashki.  

Travellers to third world countries often remark on how little people can have, yet how happy and strong their community appears to be.

“What the research tells us is that connections with the community and family are very nurturing for mental wellbeing and preventative for mental illness,” says Dr Blashki. 

Property developers are taking note. Frasers Property sees the importance of a community, rather than a property when building homes. 

“They want to live in beautiful places with a sense of community and connection to their neighbours. Whether that’s a house or apartment, it’s all about the connection,” says Frasers Property community development manager Sarah Melody. 

Frasers Property organises community events such as barbecues and welcome parties, especially after a new wave of residents have moved in. “I have some residents who run Easter egg hunts, run playgroups and help with Halloween each year,” says Melody. 

The developments that Melody manages also have spaces that encourage people to meet, such as walking paths, outdoor exercise areas, benches to rest on and water bubblers. 

“The more positive experiences people have in these spaces the more connection they have to it, and they want to re-visit and take care of them.”