October Health – 2025 Report
35-44 Demographic in Kenya
The leading cause of stress among the age group 35-44 in Kenya is financial strain. This stems from responsibilities such as providing for families, repaying debts, managing school fees, and dealing with the rising cost of living. Additionally, job insecurity and high unemployment rates exacerbate financial anxiety. Workplace-related pressures, such as long hours, lack of career growth, and work-life imbalance, also contribute significantly to stress in this demographic.
How mental health affects the 35-44 demographic differently
Common Stresses Affecting Ages 35-44 More Than Other Age Groups
1. **Career Pressure**:
- This age group often faces peak career responsibilities, including leadership roles or career stagnation anxieties.
- Managing work-life balance as demands at work increase.
2. **Financial Strains**:
- Concerns over mortgages, debts, and saving for children’s education or retirement.
3. **Parenting Challenges**:
- Balancing raising young children or teenagers, which can be mentally and physically draining.
- Worries about being a good parent while managing job demands.
4. **Health Concerns**:
- Early signs of chronic health issues (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) that may not be common in younger years.
- Stress over maintaining physical health while balancing responsibilities.
5. **Caring for Aging Parents**:
- The "sandwich generation" stress of caring for both kids and aging parents, especially in cultures like Kenya where extended family obligations are significant.
6. **Relationship Changes**:
- Marital challenges or divorces peak during these years as relationships evolve under stress.
Suggestions to Manage Stress:
- Engage in self-care activities like physical exercise or mindfulness meditation.
- Communication with family and workplace to set clearer and healthier boundaries.
- Companies can support by offering employee mental health programs or resources like **Panda** for group sessions and mental well-being tools.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 35-44 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.