45-54 Demographic in Canada

Stressors Affecting the 45-54 Age Group More Than Other Ages

1. Career Plateaus and Transitions

   • Feeling "stuck" in their career or experiencing difficulty advancing further.
   • Concerns about job stability or age discrimination in the workplace.

2. Financial Pressures

   • Balancing saving for retirement with current financial demands.
   • Supporting children entering adulthood (e.g., university fees) or aging parents.

3. Health Concerns

   • Increased awareness of personal aging, chronic illnesses, or physical limitations.
   • Stress about maintaining work-life balance while managing health issues.

4. Caring Responsibilities

   • Juggling responsibilities for both children (or young adults) and aging parents (“sandwich generation”).
   • Emotional and physical fatigue from caregiving duties.

5. Shifts in Relationships

   • Managing changes in family dynamics (e.g., children leaving home, marital challenges).
   • Loneliness or feelings of loss if children move out (empty nest syndrome).

6. Fear of Irrelevance

   • Worries about staying current with technology and professional skills in a fast-changing workplace.
   • Concerns about being overlooked by employers for younger candidates.

Suggestions

• Encourage this age group to explore mental health resources like October's group sessions or content, which can address workplace stress and caregiving challenges.
• Suggest open communication with employers about flexibility to better manage caregiving, health, and professional development needs.