The level of happiness in Australia reaches its lowest during the years 40 to 44, with women facing the most significant drop due to ongoing unpaid caregiving and household responsibilities negatively affecting their mental health.
A recent study by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre highlights that middle-aged Australians are most vulnerable to burnout, caught between job demands, family obligations, and increasing financial pressures.
Lead researcher Dr. Daniel Kiely noted that women in their 40s and 50s bear a significant burden, dedicating approximately 12 additional hours each week to unpaid caregiving and domestic tasks compared to men, while facing 13 percent higher levels of time-related stress.
At the age of 48, one out of every ten women is responsible for caring for both children and elderly parents, which is twice the proportion for men.
“Many belong to the ‘sandwich generation,’ caught between looking after children and elderly parents while also managing full-time employment,” he stated.
The outcome is a persistent lack of time that undermines both mental well-being and financial stability.
The study reveals that approximately one-third of Australians during their middle years face a significant adverse life event annually, with divorce and economic difficulties being particularly harmful.
“Financial strain makes separation four times more likely, whereas single parents—especially women—experience the lowest levels of life satisfaction and the highest levels of difficulty,” said Senior Research Fellow Dr. Abebe Hailemariam.
Breakdowns in relationships, financial pressures, and the responsibility of unpaid care are not separate issues. They overlap in complex ways that influence people’s lives over many years.
Dr. Kiely noted that although midlife Australians contribute significantly to their households, workplaces, and communities, they face the highest rates of time pressure, burnout, and emotional exhaustion—a pattern that has become more severe in recent years.
“Australians in their middle years form the foundation of our society by raising children, caring for elderly parents, contributing to economic growth, and sustaining community activities,” he stated.
But these efforts come with a price. Limited time, financial pressure, and the ongoing challenge of balancing conflicting responsibilities have led to a situation of heightened stress and worsening mental health.
The document advocates for specific policy changes to assist Australians during their middle years, such as increasing adaptable work rights and improving access to parenting, financial, and relationship assistance.
“The prime working years are when Australians make their greatest contributions – financially, socially, and in terms of community involvement. Helping them during this time is an investment for all generations,” Dr. Kiely stated.
If the center remains firm, the entire society gains.
Read more
- Why are young Australians leaving high-paying jobs for mental well-being, with the cost of living increasing? Learn about the move from stressful professions to more satisfying lifestyles.
- Why are younger Australians facing greater challenges with the rising cost of living compared to baby boomers, even though wage growth has been slow across the board?
- Is the cycle of blaming different generations becoming more intense as younger Australians choose not to have children due to rising expenses?
- What steps can women in their 50s take to escape the ongoing financial and emotional pressures of supporting both elderly parents and grown-up children?
- Why are Australian parents getting older than ever in their pursuit of family security?
