October Health – 2025 Report

55-64 Demographic in Canada

For the population in the age group 55-64 in Canada, the leading causes of stress typically include financial concerns (e.g., retirement planning, insufficient savings, or debt), health-related issues (both personal and for aging loved ones), and workplace stress (e.g., job security, balancing work and life, or ageism at work). These stressors are often compounded by the potential responsibilities of caregiving for elderly parents or supporting grown children.

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How mental health affects the 55-64 demographic differently

Stresses Affecting the Age Group 55-64 More Than Other Ages

  1. Workplace Challenges

    • Facing ageism or discrimination at work.
    • Anxiety around skills gaps or technological changes.
    • Concerns about career stability or forced early retirement.

  2. Financial Pressures

    • Preparing for and worrying about retirement savings.
    • Supporting adult children or aging parents financially.
    • Potential health care costs and lack of sufficient coverage.

  3. Health Concerns

    • Greater likelihood of chronic health conditions or physical decline.
    • Awareness of aging and concerns about mortality.

  4. Caregiving Responsibilities

    • Acting as a caregiver for aging parents while also supporting grandchildren (the "sandwich generation").
    • Emotional and physical strain of caregiving roles.

  5. Life Transitions

    • "Empty nest syndrome" as children move out, causing loneliness or identity shifts.
    • Adjusting to changes in relationships, such as marital strain or divorce.

  6. Social Isolation

    • Decrease in social connections due to retirement or peers moving away.
    • Fear of losing a sense of purpose post-retirement.

Suggestions Engaging with mental health resources like digital group sessions or accessing assessments offered by services such as October might be beneficial for individuals in this group to cope with these stresses effectively.

Data from October Health

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