October Health – 2025 Report

55-64 Demographic in Canada

Finances and retirement planning. - Workplace implications: - Provide financial wellbeing resources and retirement planning workshops. - Ensure accessible mental health support (EAP/counselling) and reduce stigma. - Offer flexible work options or phased retirement arrangements. October note: If you're implementing employee mental health support, October's digital group sessions and assessments can help address financial-stress-related anxiety and aging-workforce concerns.

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How mental health affects the 55-64 demographic differently

  • Retirement planning and financial security

    • Why it affects 55–64: approaching retirement, worries about CPP/QPP, OAS, RRSP/RRIF, and overall savings.
    • Workplace impact: financial anxiety can reduce focus, uptake of new responsibilities, and willingness to take risks; possible demand for phased retirement.
    • Coping tips: offer financial wellness resources and phased retirement options; consider October sessions on retirement stress.

  • Health issues and chronic illness

    • Why it affects 55–64: higher likelihood of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, arthritis; more medical appointments and medications.
    • Workplace impact: fatigue, pain, and functional limits; need for accommodations.
    • Coping tips: ergonomic adjustments, flexible scheduling, EAP access; October content on managing chronic illness at work.

  • Caregiving responsibilities

    • Why it affects 55–64: many care for aging parents or a spouse; adds time pressure and emotional strain.
    • Workplace impact: conflicts between caregiving and work; potential burnout.
    • Coping tips: caregiver leave/flexible hours; workplace support programs; October resources for caregiving stress.

  • Job security and adapting to technology/changes

    • Why it affects 55–64: concern about obsolescence, speed of tech change, and potential downsizing.
    • Workplace impact: reluctance to adopt new tools; pressure to upskill.
    • Coping tips: targeted upskilling and mentorship; clear communication from leadership; October resilience/learning content.

  • Physical strain, ergonomics, and sleep health

    • Why it affects 55–64: higher risk of musculoskeletal issues and sleep disturbances.
    • Workplace impact: higher injury risk and reduced productivity; need for ergonomic supports.
    • Coping tips: ergonomic assessments, adjustable workstations, sleep hygiene practices; October guidance on sleep/ergonomics.

Data from October Health

What's driving mental health stresses for the 55-64 demographic in South African?

Proactive mental fitness for high performance staff.

Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.

October for Businesses