Mid-life has traditionally been viewed as the prime of life. However, there is evidence of mental illhealth
and a dip in subjective wellbeing among people in their mid-years, compared to young and
older people. Problems with relationships and employment during mid-life are experienced
intensely, because by this life-stage, people have typically invested a great deal in work and
relationships and the possibilities for making changes in these areas are limited.
Men currently in their mid-years are the ‘buffer’ generation – caught between the traditional silent,
strong, austere masculinity of their fathers and the more progressive, open and individualistic
generation of their sons. They do not know which of these ways of life and masculine cultures to
follow. In addition, since the 1970s, several social changes have impacted on personal lives, including
rising female employment, increased partnering and de-partnering and solo-living. As a result, men
in mid-life are increasingly likely to be living on their own, with little or no experience of coping
emotionally or seeking help on their own, and few supportive relationships to fall back on.