October Health – 2026 Report
55-64 Demographic in United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the leading cause of stress for the population aged 55–64 is work-related pressures, including job security, workload, and arranging work-life balance.
How mental health affects the 55-64 demographic differently
- Retirement and pension concerns: Anxiety about finances, loss of purpose, or identity shifts as approaching or entering retirement.
- Health-related stress: Increased risk of chronic conditions, medical appointments, and managing medications.
- Caring responsibilities: More likely to care for a partner, spouse, or aging parent, leading to time, emotional, and financial strain.
- Fixed-income anxiety: Worries about inflation, rising living costs, and potential late-life work limitations.
- Social isolation risk: Reduced daily social contact after leaving or reducing work, leading to loneliness.
- Work transition pressures: Adapting to phased retirement, role changes, or needing to remain employable, which can cause job insecurity.
- Cognitive health concerns: Stress around memory changes or early signs of dementias, impacting confidence at work or in daily tasks.
- Technology adaptation: Keeping up with new digital tools as work environments modernize, which can feel daunting.
- Grief and loss: Increased exposure to bereavement of peers, partners, or family members, affecting mood and motivation.
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.