October Health – 2025 Report

55-64 Demographic in South Africa

The leading cause of stress for the 55-64 age group in South Africa is often financial insecurity, including concerns around retirement savings and debt. Health issues also contribute significantly. In the workplace, uncertainty about job security and age discrimination can further increase stress. Offering group sessions through platforms like October can help address these stressors by providing peer support and coping strategies.

How mental health affects the 55-64 demographic differently

  • Health Concerns: Increased risk of chronic illnesses and managing existing health conditions.
  • Retirement Anxiety: Worries about financial security, pensions, and the transition out of the workforce.
  • Caregiving Responsibilities: Supporting elderly parents or grandchildren, leading to emotional and physical strain.
  • Workplace Ageism: Facing discrimination or feeling undervalued, impacting self-esteem and job security.
  • Technological Changes: Difficulty adapting to new digital tools or processes common in the modern workplace.
  • Loss and Grief: Coping with the death of peers or family members, affecting mental well-being.

Using October’s digital group sessions focused on workplace transitions and stress management could be very beneficial for this group.

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.