Two generations under pressure: mental wellbeing lowest among 18–24s and 45–54s

Aviva’s latest Story of Health research reveals that mental wellbeing challenges are most pronounced among two distinct age groups—young adults aged 18–24 and those in midlife aged 45–54. While young people are proactively prioritising their mental health through healthy habits and social connection, both groups report lower levels of mental wellbeing than the average across all age groups, highlighting the need for more tailored support across life stages.^[1]

Among 18–24-year-olds, fewer than half (47%) rate their mental health as good—compared to 62% across all age groups—while nearly a quarter (22%) describe their mental health as poor. Those aged 45-54 years are also reporting lower levels than other age groups. 

Emotional wellbeing challenges are particularly pronounced in these two age groups.

Around half (48%) of 18-24s surveyed feel overwhelmed or stressed frequently and 43% often feel anxious or worried. A third (33%) report persistent low mood or depression.

Around a quarter (26%) of those aged 45-54 years report persistent low mood or depression and slightly more (28%) say that they often or always feel anxious or worried.

These figures contrast with the broader population, where only a quarter (24%) say they often feel anxious or worried, and one in five (20%) report frequent low mood.

Happiness levels also show a difference across age ranges:  half (50%) of 18–24s and slightly fewer (46%) of those aged 45-54 rate their happiness as good compared to around three in five (59%) people across all age groups.

Understanding the pressures

Young adults today are navigating a complex mix of life transitions - early career steps, financial independence, and finding their identity. While many of those aged 45-54 are likely to be supporting older children as well as their parents.  These experiences can be emotionally demanding. 

Access to support also varies. Just over half (51%) of all adults say they have the mental health support they need, compared to 44% of 45-54 year-olds and 42% of young adults aged 18-24.

Around two in five (39%) 18–24s and over a third (35%) of those aged 45-54 say they lack adequate support—higher than the average across all age groups (31%).

Across all age groups, the most likely places that people would seek mental health support if they had a concern were GPs or other health professionals (40%), friends and family (36%), a therapist or counsellor (20%) and mental health charities or helplines. (14%). Young adults are more likely to turn to friends and family (44%) for mental health support, rather than their GP or another medical professional (21%). This trend changes in those aged 45-54 – 44% would seek support from their GP or another medical professional.

The power of social connection

Social connection is a vital pillar of mental wellbeing, especially for younger generations. Yet many young adults face barriers to building these connections.

Aviva’s research shows that over a third (36%) of 18–24-year-olds often or always feel lonely, compared to a quarter (25%) across all age groups. A similar number (27%) of those aged 45-54 say that they often or always feel lonely.

Mental health challenges and anxiety are key obstacles, cited by 27% of young adults. Others mention lack of confidence or embarrassment (26%), and one in five (20%) say they simply don’t know where to start. Those aged 45-54 report time challenges (28%) followed by anxiety (26%) and financial constraints. (25%)

Despite these challenges, there is a real recognition of the benefits of social connection. Across all age groups 96% of people agreed that social connection plays a key role in our health – a view shared by the same number of 18-24s (96%) and the 45-54s (97%).

Encouragingly, 18–24s are among the most socially active groups, spending an average of 3.3 hours per week socialising face-to-face outside of work—second only to the over-55s, who average 3.9 hours. The time poor, 45-54s socialise the least of all age groups, on average clocking up just 2.6 hours of face-to-face interaction a week.

Around half (46%) of young adults feel a sense of belonging to their local community, and a further quarter (22%) would like to get involved in community groups or social activities but haven’t yet taken that step. Those aged 45-54 feel the least connected to their community – around two in five (41%) say that they feel a sense of belonging to their community compared to over half (53%) across all age groups.

Young people are actively seeking emotional support from their friends (43%) and family (33%). Other top sources include their partner (30%) and pets (21%). Those aged 45-54 (16%) and 55+ (23%) are the most likely to say that they don’t confide in anyone – suggesting a generational change in attitude towards talking about mental health.

Dr Subashini M, medical director at Aviva UK Health, said: “Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by age—they can affect us at any stage of life, though the reasons and experiences often differ. While younger adults may be navigating identity, independence and uncertainty, older generations can face pressures from work, health, and caring responsibilities. What’s clear is that no one is immune.

“It’s vital that people are listened to, supported, and have accessible, personalised pathways to help them thrive at every stage of their lives.

“We all—employers, educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers—have a role to play in ensuring they’re not facing these challenges alone.”

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^1. _{The research was conducted on behalf of Aviva by Censuswide with 2,000 national representative consumers between 11.08.2025-13.08.2025. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council. [↑]}