Loneliness Costs Billions - But the Solution Could Be as Simple as a Phone Call

Australia, September 2025 - Loneliness is costing Australia and the world billions of dollars each year, but a new movement believes the answer could be as simple as picking up the phone.

A new 2025 systematic review led by Monash University has quantified the staggering economic toll of loneliness and social isolation, estimating costs of A$3.3 billion to A$41.6 billion annually.

Even more striking, the review shows that every dollar invested in tackling loneliness can return up to A$22.65 in social and economic benefits.

Despite these clear opportunities, the research highlights major gaps particularly in measuring the broader costs of loneliness and its impacts across age groups and cultural communities. The report calls for governments, funders and health leaders to invest in more comprehensive, inclusive economic studies that capture the true cost and true value of addressing loneliness.

Key findings from the review include:

• Economic burden: A$3.3B - A$41.6B annually
• Cost-effectiveness: 54 - 68% probability, with at least one intervention confirmed
• Social return: A$3.76 - A$22.65 for every A$1 invested

Why CallFour is a Game Changer

CallFour, a global social movement founded in Australia, is proving that the most powerful public health interventions can be both simple and cost-free.

If we put a value on time, each meaningful phone call could be seen as worth A$6.60 (about US$4). But when people make these calls in their free time, the actual cost is zero yet the collective impact runs into the billions once millions of calls are made each week.

"CallFour is a cost-effective support measure to reduce loneliness and save our country billions," said Charles Alder, Founder of CallFour. "The evidence shows that something as simple as four meaningful calls a week has the power to transform lives and deliver immense social and economic returns."

The CallFour movement is calling on Australians and people worldwide to join the initiative by committing to make four meaningful phone calls each week.

About CallFour

CallFour is a global campaign encouraging people to make four meaningful phone calls each week to reduce loneliness, strengthen human connection, and improve mental health. Founded in Australia by Charles and Tracy Alder, (also founders of Rural Aid) the movement is gaining momentum as one of the simplest, most impactful responses to a global public health crisis.

www.callfour.org

Media Contact : Charles Alder
Ph : 0410714379
E : charles@callfour.org