A Balancing Act: Life, work and connection in the middle years

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New research into the wellbeing, work and social lives of Australians in the middle years

Executive Summary

For many Australians, the middle years represent both a time of achievement and a test of endurance. Between the ages of 35 and 55, Australians in their middle years form the scaffolding for the nation’s society, acting as a bridge between generations, the stabilisers of family life and community, and the civic and economic centre of gravity that keeps us moving forward.

They are often the quiet centre of Australian life, less visible and less heard than youth or age but indispensable to both. They represent a dependable core that keeps families, workplaces and communities running.

Yet the very strength of this commitment often comes at a cost.

Our research finds that the middle years are a period of intense connection and contribution, but also of strain. As careers peak, responsibilities multiply, and caring roles expand, time becomes scarce and self‑care is neglected. Life satisfaction dips to its lowest point across the life course, and while resilience remains strong, the pressures are constant and cumulative.

The BCEC’s analysis shows that midlife is marked by overlapping demands: supporting children who are not yet independent, caring for ageing parents, managing mortgages and rising living costs, and maintaining demanding careers. These intersecting pressures shape wellbeing in profound ways — influencing mental health, financial stability, social participation and life satisfaction.

Midlife Australians are often referred to as the “engine room” of the nation: the people who hold institutions, families and communities together. But they also make up the cohort most likely to experience time stress, burnout and the compounding impacts of negative life events.

Key Findings

• Life satisfaction bottoms out between ages 40 and 44, reaching its lowest score (around 7 out of 10) before recovering after 55.
• Women do 12 more hours of unpaid care a week and face 13 per cent more time stress than men
• Suicide rates peak at 45–54, with men three times more likely to die by self-harm
• Volunteering among 35–55-year-olds has dropped from 60 per cent to below 44 per cent
• Financial stress increases separation risk fourfold, hitting single parents hardest

In Brief

This report explores the complex realities of Australians in their middle years — how people balance work, family, relationships, health and community connection amid shifting economic and social pressures. The findings highlight both the resilience and challenges experienced across this life stage, with implications for wellbeing, workforce participation, care responsibilities and social inclusion.

Why This Report Matters

Understanding how Australians navigate their middle years is critical not only for individual wellbeing, but for the resilience of our broader society and economy. The stability, experience and civic engagement of this group are the glue that holds communities together. Supporting them through the pressures of midlife pays dividends across the generations.

How to Cite

Buckland, A., Chown, T., Duncan, A., Hailemariam, A., Kiely, D., Muñoz, A., Twomey, C., & Vu, L. L. (2025).
A Balancing Act: Life, work and connection in the middle years.
Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University.

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© 2025 Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre | Curtin University, Perth, WA