A startling new report has uncovered a profound wellbeing crisis gripping middle-aged Australians, with life satisfaction hitting its absolute lowest point between the ages of 40 and 44.
The Gendered Burden of the 'Sandwich Generation'
According to research from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, women are experiencing the most severe decline in their quality of life. This is largely driven by the immense weight of unpaid care and housework, which continues to systematically erode their wellbeing. The study issues a stark warning that Australians in midlife now face the greatest risk of burnout, trapped between intense work pressures, mounting family responsibilities, and escalating financial strain.
Lead author Dr Daniel Kiely highlighted that women in their 40s and 50s carry a disproportionate and heavy load. The data reveals they spend approximately 12 more hours per week on unpaid care and household labour compared to men. This imbalance leads to women suffering from 13 per cent more time-stress, a chronic condition with serious consequences.
By the time they reach age 48, the situation becomes particularly acute. One in ten women finds themselves caring for both children and ageing parents simultaneously – a rate that is double that of men in the same position.
A Perfect Storm of Stress and Financial Hardship
Dr Kiely explained that many are part of the so-called 'sandwich generation,' caught in an exhausting squeeze between caring for children and ageing parents while also trying to maintain their paid employment. He stated, 'The result is chronic time poverty that erodes both mental health and financial security.'
The report further uncovers that one in three Australians in midlife experiences a major negative life event every single year. Among the most damaging of these events are relationship separation and serious financial hardship.
Senior research fellow Dr Abebe Hailemariam emphasised the dangerous interplay between these factors, noting, 'Financial stress increases the likelihood of separation fourfold.' The most vulnerable groups are single parents, particularly women, who report the lowest life satisfaction and the highest rates of hardship.
Dr Kiely added a crucial insight, stating, 'Relationship breakdowns, financial strain and the unpaid care burden don't exist in isolation. They intersect in ways that shape people's lives for years.'
Call for Policy Reforms to Support Society's Scaffolding
Despite being the backbone of communities, midlife Australians are paying a high price for their contributions. Dr Kiely noted that this group experiences the highest levels of time stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue – a troubling trend that has only intensified over the past decade.
'Australians in midlife are the scaffolding of our society as they raise children, support ageing parents, drive economic productivity and maintain community life,' he said. 'But these contributions come at a cost. Time scarcity, financial strain and constant juggling between competing role demands have created a perfect storm for stress and declining wellbeing.'
The report concludes with an urgent call for targeted policy reforms designed to support Australians through these challenging middle years. Key recommendations include expanding flexible work rights and providing greater access to parenting, financial, and relationship support services.
Dr Kiely framed this support as a vital investment, arguing, 'The middle years are when Australians contribute the most – economically, socially and civically. Supporting them through this period is an investment in every generation. When the middle holds strong, the whole of society benefits.'
