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Midlife Crisis Is Real—and International

Depression peaks in 40s around the globe, huge study reveals

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 29, 2008 2:55 PM CST
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(Newser) – Just being middle-aged may lead to depression, with sufferers most vulnerable at age 44, USA Today reports. Studying more than 2 million people over 35 years led British and American economists to conclude that middle age is the nadir of lifetime happiness. "If you are finding life tough in your 40s, maybe it's useful to know this is completely normal," said one of the lead researchers.

The results held up for residents of 72 of the 80 countries under scrutiny even when researchers controlled for factors such as marital and socioeconomic status. Other researchers caution about tying happiness to biological age, saying the U-shape curve exists for some but not all countries. A Princeton economist says that elsewhere, “older people are really miserable relative to younger people."

A man smokes a cigarette as he shelters from the rain in Port Talbot on January 23 2008 in Wales, United Kingdom. Researchers have found that middle age sees the highest incidence of depression and unhappiness. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
A man smokes a cigarette as he shelters from the rain in Port Talbot on January 23 2008 in Wales, United Kingdom. Researchers have found that middle age sees the highest incidence of depression and unhappiness....   (Getty Images)
Two men walk in the rain in Port Talbot on January 23 2008 in Wales, United Kingdom. Researchers have found that middle age sees the highest incidence of depression and unhappiness. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Two men walk in the rain in Port Talbot on January 23 2008 in Wales, United Kingdom. Researchers have found that middle age sees the highest incidence of depression and unhappiness. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty...   (Getty Images)
A man walks under the elevated motorway in Port Talbot on January 23 2008 in Wales, United Kingdom. Researchers have found that middle age sees the highest incidence of depression and unhappiness. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
A man walks under the elevated motorway in Port Talbot on January 23 2008 in Wales, United Kingdom. Researchers have found that middle age sees the highest incidence of depression and unhappiness. (Photo...   (Getty Images)
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Midlife slump may be due to 'quelling aspirations'
BBC

Phyisically fit people in their 70s are as happy as 20-year-olds
Guardian (UK)

Americans bottom out at different times
AFP

A look at the complicated methodology
Financial Times (UK)

 
depression • mental health • middle age • midlife crisis

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