People born in the 1960s and early 1970s in the United States are experiencing more loneliness, depression, memory problems, and physical weakness than earlier generations.
A new study shows that these problems are much worse in the U.S. than in other wealthy countries, especially those in Northern Europe, where middle-aged adults are doing better over time.
The study, led by psychologist Frank J. Infurna from Arizona State University, analyzed data from 17 different countries to find out why Americans in midlife seem to be struggling more.
The findings were published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science.
According to Infurna, the real “midlife crisis” in the U.S. is not about buying fancy cars or changing careers. It’s about trying to balance work, money, family, and health in a country where social support is weakening. In comparison, other countries—particularly in Europe—offer stronger support systems that help people better manage the challenges of midlife.
One of the big differences is in government support for families. Since the early 2000s, European countries have increased their public spending on things like parental leave, child care, and financial help for families.
The U.S., on the other hand, has not made many changes in these areas. These supports matter a lot for people in their 40s and 50s, who are often working full time while also helping their children and caring for elderly parents.
In European countries with stronger family policies, adults in midlife were less lonely and saw smaller increases in loneliness over time. But in the U.S., loneliness has steadily risen for each new generation.
Health care is another major issue. Even though the U.S. spends more money on health care than any other wealthy country, many Americans still struggle to afford it. High out-of-pocket costs keep people from getting preventive care and add to stress and medical debt.
Income inequality is also worse in the U.S. than in most other wealthy nations. Since the early 2000s, the gap between the rich and poor in America has grown, while it has stayed the same or shrunk in many European countries.
This rising inequality is linked to worse health and more loneliness in middle age. It also affects people’s chances to get a good education, find a stable job, and move up in life—all of which are important for long-term health and happiness.
Cultural differences may also play a role. Americans are more likely to move away from their families and change locations often. This can make it harder to build and keep strong social connections.
Also, newer generations of middle-aged Americans have less wealth and more financial problems than those who came before, partly because of job instability and the 2008 financial crisis. In Europe, stronger safety nets have helped protect people from these same problems.
One surprising finding was that even though more Americans are getting college degrees, they still show worse memory and higher rates of depression and loneliness than in the past.
Education used to be a strong protection against these problems, but that seems to be changing. Chronic stress, financial worries, and heart disease risks may be canceling out the mental benefits of education.
Despite all of this, the researchers believe that the U.S. can turn things around. People who feel supported, have a sense of control, and stay socially connected tend to cope better with stress.
Finding community through work, hobbies, or caregiving can help. But the researchers also stress that big changes at the policy level—like paid family leave, affordable health care, and support for working parents—are key to improving life for future generations.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more health information, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
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