This generation of Aussies is the country’s least satisfied

These Aussies are stuck in a funk, caught between two demanding generations and being squeezed at both ends, a new report has found.

Middle-aged Aussies are in a midlife funk, squeezed between demanding kids and elderly parents, according to a new report.

The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index reveals that the so-called “sandwich generation” in their mid 40s to mid 50s are less satisfied than any other age group, particularly those aged 66 to 75.

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Financial pressures, relationship breakdown and cost of living and caring responsibilities mean this group is squeezed at both ends.

“The middle adult years are no doubt a time of added life pressure, when jobs may be at their most intense, costs of living at their highest and caring responsibilities both for children and potentially ageing parents at their most demanding,” the report’s author, Delyse Hutchinson, a senior research fellow at Deakin University’s School of Psychology, said.

Lendol and Krystina Muftar at home with their children, Madelyn, 8, and Kaitlin, 11. Picture: Sarah Matray

The index shows Australian adults aged 46 to 55 have a satisfaction score of 73.3 out of 100, compared with 77.1 for those in their mid 60s to mid 70s, making them the happiest group of all. Middle-aged people are also less happy than the younger generation, which has a score of 75.5.

The survey of nearly 2000 Australians, which has been running for 16 years, shows about one in eight people are struggling to get by.

“They are more likely to report relationship problems or be living on their own, more likely to report significant financial strain, and more likely to report a lack of achievement in life and connectedness to their community,” Dr Hutchinson said.

Mother of two Krystina Muftar, 48, told the Herald Sun she was surprised by the findings because her middle-aged years were the least stressful time in her life.

Ms Muftar said the key to a carefree-living forties was being financially stable before starting a family. Picture: Sarah Matray

Ms Muftar said the key for her was being financially stable before starting a family.

“We have had the opportunity to establish ourselves financially and in terms of our careers before we had the kids,” she said.

It was also important to ask for help at difficult times.

“There is a lot of pressure to appear as the perfect family and I don’t think life is like that,” Ms Muftar said.

“Be willing to talk to others about your problems.”

The results are consistent with findings over the 16 years of the index — that individual subjective wellbeing is closely associated with three elements: financial security, a strong relationship and a sense of purpose.

It also found a significant disparity between those who pay off their credit cards each month and those who cannot.

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