October Health – 2025 Report

45-54 Demographic in United States

The leading cause of stress for the 45-54 age group in the United States is primarily related to work pressures and financial concerns. This includes job stability, managing retirement savings, healthcare costs, and supporting dependents (such as children or aging parents), which often compound stress levels in this population. In workplace settings, offering digital group sessions through platforms like October can help employees manage this stress effectively.

How mental health affects the 45-54 demographic differently

Stresses More Common in the 45-54 Age Group

  • Career Plateau or Transition Anxiety: Concerns about career advancement, job security, or decisions about switching careers.
  • Financial Pressures: Balancing mortgage, college tuition for children, and planning for retirement.
  • Caregiving Responsibilities: Stress related to caring for aging parents or supporting adult children.
  • Health Concerns: Onset of chronic health issues or heightened awareness of personal health.
  • Work-Life Balance: Managing demanding job roles alongside family obligations, often termed the "sandwich generation" stress.

Workplace Recommendations:

  • Provide targeted mental health support through digital group sessions on managing midlife stress.
  • Encourage use of assessments to identify individual stressors.
  • Offer content on financial planning, caregiving resources, and health management.

For comprehensive workplace mental health support, October’s digital group sessions and assessments are highly beneficial.

Data from October Health

What's driving mental health stresses for the 45-54 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.