More than one in three homes in Western Australia's second-biggest city is occupied by just one person, as the region struggles with housing affordability and a mental health crisis.
The latest census revealed 34 per cent of homes in Bunbury, a port city about 170 kilometres south of the state's capital, were one-person households on the night of the census, easily eclipsing the national and state averages.
Psychologists believe there is a strong link between social isolation and poor mental and physical health outcomes, with social connection crucial for those who live alone.
Margaret Clayton has lived alone in Bunbury for seven years and said it could be daunting when you have been used to living with a partner.
"You're always used to your husband or wife … then you're on your own, you've got to alternate your lifestyle," she said.
Ms Clayton keeps herself busy by exercising and participating in the many activities at her local community centre for seniors.
"I cannot stay at home all day watching TV, twiddle my thumbs because, I think, that's when you get depressed," she said.
While not a choice for many, living alone can have adverse impacts on the mental health of those who do not seek support.
Australian Psychological Society president Tamara Cavenett said people were social creatures who longed for connection, belonging, and a sense of community.
"By living alone, people increase the likelihood of prolonged periods of isolation and loneliness, which can increase anxiety, depression, and stress and be extremely detrimental to your overall health and mental health wellbeing," she said.
"There are benefits to living alone, but if you do, try to keep in touch with friends and family or seek out local community groups to foster connection there."
Human need for connection
Bunbury psychologist Patricia Alpiste said all humans had a biological need for connection.
"That can be a state of stress that can then cause physical issues. So people who are lonely, for example, are more likely to have health issues."
Bev Buck has managed the Bunbury Geographe Seniors and Community Centre for 12 years and said she had noticed more members living alone.
She suggested the increase in the number of single-person households could be due to people staying in their own homes for longer in old age.
“We're trying to keep people at home for longer [and out of aged care],” she said.
Figures showed 28.3 per cent of Bunbury residents were aged 60 years or over compared with just 21.8 per cent in WA overall.
Part of the local council's aged care strategy was to focus on 'ageing in place', which aims to assist older people to remain in their homes independently.
Mental health services under strain
Ms Alpiste said she had also seen an increase in the demand for mental health services in the city.
The census reported Bunbury had one of the worst mental health outcomes in WA, with one in 10 people reporting they had a mental health illness.
"Lately there has been an increase in the need for people to see a psychologist," Ms Alpiste said.
"Most psychologists around are very booked up, they have a waiting list. Some are not even taking new people.
"There's definitely an increase in the need for psychological support."
Ms Alpiste said while there were other mental health support services available in Bunbury, including social workers and counsellors, they were also very busy.
