Reaching our mid 40s and 50s is a time in our lives when we expect to be our most settled and content. Our children have grown up and we've got our independence back, we're settled in to our jobs and are a bit more financially stable than we were 20 years ago. And for many of us, it really is our time to enjoy life to the fullest. But for a lot of us, there's something missing. According to a recent study, middle-aged people in England are the loneliest in Europe.
But why? With an increase in remote working coming off the back of the pandemic, and a cost-of-living-crisis to contend with, many of us have seen a reduction in our social interactions. But is there more to the midlife loneliness crisis? We talk to two middle-aged women about their experiences...
‘Despite having my family, I craved female friendship’
Maria Jones, 46, lives in Aberdeen with her husband Ifor, 56, and their son Andreas, 16. Walking past a coffee shop, I looked inside at the groups of women sitting around chatting and laughing together and felt a pang of envy. At 46, I have no female friends to gossip with or to meet up with and catch up about our weeks. Throughout my 20s and 30s, I had a large social group and a bustling social life, but over the last few years my friendships have all but dwindled and now I find myself lonelier than ever.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?