Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognised as major challenges for healthy ageing, yet responses often focus on the individual rather than the environments in which older people live. This study explored how community and societal contexts shape social connection among older Australians, with implications for ageing-in-place policy and practice. Four focus groups were conducted with 15 adults aged 60 years and over from metropolitan and regional New South Wales communities, purposively selected to reflect differing levels of social connectedness. Discussions examined how participants experienced factors influencing connection across individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels. Data were analysed using directed content analysis informed by the social-ecological model. Participants identified a wide range of environmental influences on connection. Community spaces, local businesses, walkable streets, transport access and neighbourhood atmosphere were described as important enablers of everyday social contact. Local cafés, shopping strips and community centres functioned as informal “social infrastructure”, while poor transport and safety concerns constrained participation. Digital technology was experienced as both a connector and a source of exclusion. Three cross-level patterns were evident: personality interacting with community design, technology operating across multiple levels, and policy shaping opportunities through local infrastructure and programmes. Findings suggest loneliness and social isolation in later life cannot be addressed through individual interventions alone. Age-friendly planning, transport systems, digital inclusion and investment in community places should be considered core healthy ageing strategies. Supporting connection through better environments represents a practical opportunity for Australia’s ageing revolution.