October Health – 2025 Report

55-64 Demographic in United Kingdom

The leading cause of stress for the 55-64 age group in the UK is often financial concerns, particularly related to retirement planning, pension adequacy, and job security. Workplace pressures and health worries also significantly contribute to stress in this demographic. For organisations, providing targeted financial wellbeing support and health management resources can help reduce stress in this age group. Using October’s digital group sessions focused on financial and health-related stress could be beneficial.

How mental health affects the 55-64 demographic differently

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

  1. Workplace Transition Stress

    • Concerns about retirement timing and financial readiness
    • Pressure to remain relevant amidst younger colleagues or technological changes
    • Potential age discrimination affecting job security or career progression
  2. Health-Related Anxiety

    • Emerging chronic health conditions impacting well-being and work performance
    • Increased awareness of declining physical or cognitive abilities
  3. Caregiving Responsibilities

    • Stress from caring for elderly parents or supporting adult children financially/emotionally
  4. Financial Pressures

    • Worries about pension sufficiency, investment losses, or unexpected expenses
    • Balancing saving for retirement with current financial needs
  5. Identity and Purpose Concerns

    • Fear of loss of purpose post-retirement
    • Adjusting self-identity as work roles change or end

Workplace Support Suggestion:
Offering group mental health sessions through platforms like October can help employees in this age bracket share experiences, access coping strategies, and prepare for transitions such as retirement or changing work dynamics.

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.