Baby boomers are killing themselves at an alarming rate, raising question: Why?

[progree]

54. I said 3 times compared to other age groups, particularly those in their 20's and the really elderly

Progree>To me its stressful to be young, or old old. But 50's is easiest (for me) Indignities of aging? At 50? At 60? Just wait for the 70's and beyond. Anyway, I'm perplexed that most people would find life tougher in the 50's than say in their 20's, or the really elderly. Compared to other age groups, aren't a higher percentage of 50's year olds earning more, have a higher net worth-- again compared to other age groups? On average doing better? <

[font color=blue]OneGrassRoot>I'm glad you are finding 50 easiest.

However, I'm surprised that people are surprised that those in middle age -- especially those in their 50's -- are committing suicide more and more. <[/font]

Who is surprised by that. Is there anything I said in my post where I was surprised that people in their 50's are committing suicide more and more than people who were in their 50's 10, 20, 30 years ago? My post was comparing the plight of those in their 50's and 60's TODAY COMPARED TO other age groups TODAY.

[font color=blue]OneGrassRoot>I've shared here before about many conversations I've had with people who have AMAZING resumes. They are brilliant, not only in the traditional workforce but running their own companies previously, starting nonprofits, etc.

Now, after years of unemployment or underemployment, inability to get funding for their ventures (most investments in entrepreneurial ventures are going to people under 35), no safety net, social security still too far away, many of us realize the cold, hard truth that we are literally worth more dead than alive. < [/font]

I emphasized compared to being in one's 20's or being really elderly.

The official unemployment rate in April was 13.1% for 20-24 year olds, 7.4% for 25-34 year olds, 5.9% for 45-54 year olds, and 5.5% for age 55+ (BLS Table A-10, empsit.pdf). We all know the official unemployment rate undercounts, but still, I haven't seen any indicators that say that people in their 50's have it tougher than in their 20's as far as employment.