Celebrating World Mental Health Day: 78.3% of Urban Millennials and Gen Z Say Community Activities Positively Impact Mental Health

JAKARTA, October 9, 2026 — In commemoration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the emotional well-being of young people living away from home in rental accommodations has come into focus. Amid the fast-paced lifestyle of big cities and the challenges of independent living, having a support system within one’s living environment can play an important role in maintaining the mental well-being of Millennials and Gen Z.

The latest findings from a study conducted by Rukita reveal that 78.3% of respondents—Millennials and Gen Z living in urban rental accommodations—believe that community activities in their living environment positively impact their emotional and mental well-being. Additionally, 47.8% of respondents feel that shared spaces where they can interact with fellow residents provide an effective way to relieve stress amid their daily routines.

The Challenges of Adapting to City Life and Loneliness Among Urban Renters

Recognizing that housing and the surrounding environment can significantly influence residents’ emotional well-being, Rukita, a technology-enabled coliving provider, actively observes the lifestyles and experiences of young people living in rental accommodations. To better understand the challenges they face when living away from home, Rukita surveyed 192 respondents from the Millennial and Gen Z generations who live in urban areas.

The study revealed that frequent social interaction does not necessarily translate into a sense of emotional connection. A total of 67.2% of respondents reported moderate to high levels of loneliness, even though 54.7% said they participated in social activities more than once a week.

This challenge is compounded by separation from familiar social circles and family. Some 43.2% of respondents acknowledged that being far from their primary support systems—including family members, partners, and close friends—contributed to feelings of alienation and loneliness in their new environments.

These findings echo broader concerns highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection, which identifies young people, particularly Gen Z, as a group vulnerable to loneliness worldwide. The WHO emphasizes that loneliness is associated with a gap between the social relationships people have and the quality of connections they desire.

“The root cause of loneliness among urban youth is not simply a lack of social activities outside the home. It also comes down to whether they have access to a support system and feel a sense of belonging in the communities where they live and spend their daily lives,” said Lika Aprilia Samiadi, VP of Marketing at Rukita.

Building a Real Support System Through a Community Ecosystem

As a coliving provider, Rukita recognizes that housing can play an important role in helping people who move away from home build new support systems. By providing communal spaces and organizing regular community activities, Rukita creates opportunities for residents to connect with like-minded people, form meaningful relationships, and expand their professional networks.

This commitment is reflected in the 186 community activities Rukita organized throughout 2026, attracting more than 1,854 participants. These activities span a wide range of interests, from sports such as padel, badminton, tennis, and golf to educational and creative workshops, including beauty classes, coffee workshops, and baking sessions. Residents can also take part in cultural activities, such as city tours exploring historic neighborhoods and districts, including Kota Tua, Glodok, and Cikini.

One of the latest initiatives was the Batik-Making & Museum Tour with Rukita, held on September 26, 2026, to celebrate National Batik Day. A total of 30 Rukees gathered at the Jakarta Textile Museum to learn the traditional batik-making process firsthand, including applying hot wax to fabric using a canting before dyeing it.

Beyond providing an opportunity to socialize with fellow residents, the event introduced participants to Indonesia’s cultural heritage and encouraged them to take part in preserving it. The initiative also reflects Rukita’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment to creating long-term value through community engagement.

“The community activities we organize are designed to encourage residents to interact naturally and build connections. We want to create a warm, welcoming environment that supports the emotional well-being of people living away from home, so they feel they have a place to return to and a community they belong to,” Lika explained.

Through its inclusive coliving ecosystem, Rukita is committed to providing housing that goes beyond physical comfort to support residents’ social connections and emotional well-being.