Stressed at 50, but relaxed in retirement

A study in Britain shows that people aged 50-54 years have the highest levels of stress and anxiety, but their stress decreases until their late 60s in their retirement years, making them feel young again.

The Office for National Statistics (The Times, June 20, 3013) reported that a third of the stressed 50-54 year olds felt less anxious as they entered retirement. People feel happier and healthier in retirement age.

Nineteen percent of Britain’s population suffer some sort of anxiety and depression, and middle-aged people were the most anxious, and so were women. The level peaked at 22% feeling stressed in their early 50s, but dropped to 14% of people feeling stressed in their late 60s.

The ONS studied 40,000 households as part of their Measuring National Wellbeing Program. They found that depression was most linked to how people felt about their health. If their health was poor, the more depressed they felt. The study found that 66% of Britains were satisfied with their health until they reached 80, then 53% were satisfied with their health. So the age range 55-80 were the most cheerful and healthy years. The study also found a link between work and anxiety. About 23% of unemployed people reported mental health problems compared with 15% of employed people.

People’s health and wellbeing also affects carers of sick or aged people. About 25% of carers looking after a friend or relative reported moderate health issues compared with 17% of people without care-giving responsibilities.

Marriage was also a good cure for anxiety and depression. Only 16% of married people, or those in a civil partnership, reported mental health issues compared with 20% of single, cohabitating or widowed people and 27% of those who were divorced or separated.

The ONS study did not include severe mental disorders as part of the survey – instead, they looked at general feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

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