Story perspectives

Australia's 2025 HILDA Survey: Declining Friendships and Rising Stress

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 2025 HILDA Survey tracks 16,000 Australians since 2001, revealing key trends in life.
Friendships have declined, with perceived friends dropping from 4.6 in 2001 to 4.1 in 2023, affecting mental health.
Time stress increased, with 38% of women and 29% of men reporting frequent stress in 2023.
Only 41% of women and 27% of men aged 60-64 were fully retired by 2023.
Desired family size decreased, with men wanting an average of 1.99 children, below two for the first time.

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Story summary

The 2025 HILDA Survey tracks 16,000 Australians since 2001, revealing key trends in life.
Friendships have declined, with perceived friends dropping from 4.6 in 2001 to 4.1 in 2023, affecting mental health.
Time stress increased, with 38% of women and 29% of men reporting frequent stress in 2023.
Only 41% of women and 27% of men aged 60-64 were fully retired by 2023.
Desired family size decreased, with men wanting an average of 1.99 children, below two for the first time.