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Why the late-30s are a man's misery years
Last updated at 21:07pm on 15.08.07Some might say that all they have to worry about is getting to work on time and the onset of a little middle-aged spread.
But men in their late-30s and early-40s are the least content of all of us, it seems.
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Men are most miserable in their late 30s
Whether they are mourning the passing of their prime or struggling to cope with the demands of a job and young family, those aged 35-44 invariably hit a mid-life crisis when their happiness level plunges lower than at any other age, according to a study for the Government.
It makes them the least satisfied members of society, scoring well below teenagers, the elderly - and women of all ages.
Researchers found that it takes men until they reach the age of 65 to start enjoying life as much as they did in their late-teens and early-20s.
More than 1,600 people were asked to score their wellbeing on a scale of one to ten in the study, part of the British Market Research Bureau survey of Britons' attitudes towards themselves,
The overall average satisfaction level for both sexes was 7.3.
Most men rated their carefree teenage years between the age of 16-24 as one if their happiest periods, with an average score of 7.55 out of ten.
But halfway through their careers, satisfaction levels dipped to a low of 6.8, only rising again to nearly 7.8 once they had crested retirement age.
The report found that women are less buoyant in their teens than men, rating their wellbeing at 7.3 out of ten.
Women said their worst years were between the age of 25 and 34, when most are coping with young children, but their wellbeing rose steadily as they got older, reaching hit a peak satisfaction level of 7.65 when over the age of 65.
Researchers found that most people rated their time at universityas the best years of their life, closely followed by their retirement years.
The biggest difference between the sexes was in the contentment of those not working, with women far happier than men to stay at home not seeking work.
Overall, 74 per cent of the UK population reported that they feel positive about themselves.
But women are more likely to fret, with almost half admitting that they worry a lot, compared to less than a third of men.
Reader views (12)
I enjoyed reading the article & especially the posts by others. Being female I do wonder & I am curious how men cope at this age & just how they deal with getting older. As woman living in a state that worships youth it can be pretty challenging at times. Of course getting older does mean I am still a live & this is good 
- eva diehl, Salt lake city USA, 18/10/2010 17:02
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well I think we men should get a grip- we are acting like total victims -guess what...the women we married are still there- we just need to pull that experience out of them...and ourselves
- Nolan Guesstie, lakewood CA, 11/03/2010 04:25
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Well, I was kinda feeling old there for a minute until I read some of the responses in this discussion. Turning 37 this year and after some joking around last night with my wife about it, I'm OK with 37 or 57.
-----My wife and I are great. The kids are healthy and OK, my job is demanding but just still just a job...although if I stopped working anytime soon... I would probably wither away and die from it.
I hear alot of me-me-me-me out there! Sure being 22 and free to roam like an idiot nomad with no kids, no job or "strings" seems like 'Guy-Nirvana'... reconsider this mess....would ya!
Definitely agree with the one of the previous posts... sounds like some of you need an attitude check, gut check, reality check...whatever. Get out and live your lives.
When everyday seems like that movie, "Groundhog Day" (see Bill Murray film) then something may perhaps be amiss with you fundamentally... not the world you live in.
... and Ferdinand in Leeds, dont off yourself just yet... you are not 'finished' yet!
- Bcg, Keller, Texas, USA, 26/02/2010 17:52
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I'm a 38 yr old man and for the past 4 or 5 months i've gradually started feeling more depressed. I feel tired constantly, low appetite, find it increasingly difficult 2 face each new day. I feel inadequate as a father and partner my cleanliness is suffering it takes great strength to get a bath. I've had thoughts of that my family would be better off if i ended my life on several occasions but try and act normal when in the company of others.
- Ferdinand Henriques, Leeds, 23/12/2009 20:32
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Interesting that a man happiest time is when he doesn't have a job, either because he is a teen or he retired. also interesting that having kids makes you miserable.
must be because you feel trapped in that job that after a while becomes a routine don't matter how fun you thought it was going to be forever. and you can't just quit because you have the bills and your family that depend on you and if you don't provide you go to jail. after the kids are gone and you get released from your job, welcome happiness again, just like when you were a teen, no kids, no job.
- Canoro, Tucson, AZ, 05/06/2009 06:39
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As another late 30's, I find the wife, the house payment, the lack of sex, the boring job, & the lack of anything fun accumulate for a depressing experience. Add some YouTube videos and fun dance music from my 20's and Im ready lay down on the highway. I too, long for my youth.
<sigh>
- Josh, Houston, TX, 23/10/2008 03:57
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Well, one would think that since I am 38, divorced and struggling with a huge child support payment I would be ready to lay down in front of a lorry, but I am happy, content and looking forward to new things in my life. I wonder if attitude has a lot to do with it?
- Michael Roberts, Portland, OR USA, 22/08/2007 07:17
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This article rings true for me. As I hit 35 or so I'm just not happy and I long for my teenage years.
- Nick, New York, USA, 15/08/2007 16:59
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We are miserable in our 30's and 40's because we are married and our wives make us suffer. We're only happy again until we're 65 because thats when we realize we're almost dead.
- Ben Dover, Arlington, VA, 15/08/2007 16:42
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Well considering I'm 39 and miserable, looks like it will only get better from here!
- Anon, NH USA, 15/08/2007 16:18
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I'm 42 and life gets better everyday! Butch up, have a beer and get back to work!
- Mike White, Texas, 15/08/2007 16:18
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Let's be honest here, we're just miserable gits who aspire to Victor Meldrew.
- Pa Roddy, London, 15/08/2007 12:10
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