General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Baby boomers are killing themselves at an alarming rate, raising question: Why? [View all]OneGrassRoot
(22,920 posts)As others have written about elsewhere in the thread, there are specific reasons -- regardless of unemployment statistics -- why people in their 50s are having a harder time, emotionally, than those in their 20's or perhaps those who are 70 and older, for example.
The having it "tougher" aspect takes many things into account beyond the simple under/unemployment statistics.
It takes into account responsibilities, hope for the future, etc.
Assuming someone is physically healthy, generally (and I realize these are merely generalizations and observations), when younger you can have more hope that things will change. You also tend to have more ENERGY to keep trying different things.
When you're 50 and have been struggling for a long time and have worked hard your entire life up until this point, you tend to be tired. I'm talking about people in their 50's who are NOT doing well financially, have no safety net, etc., for a variety of reasons that are not due to poor choices, being extravagant, etc. Medical bankruptcy due to one procedure is one of many examples of what can bring someone to their knees.
The added financial responsibilities of this age group, especially if one has a family, are a factor as well.
Not being close to retirement age really weighs on this age group when you're expected to work, want to work, yet cannot find work and your social security benefits are far, far away still.