Feature Article:Burnout Across the Ages: A Modern Wellness Crisis

Connect and Grow Magazine: Issue 20 May 2025

In today's hyper-connected world, burnout is more than just a buzzword in the workplace; it's a widespread wellness challenge that affects all generations. From overwhelmed teens to anxious retirees, nearly every age group is experiencing this exhaustion. But what factors contribute to this rising wave of burnout, and how does it manifest differently at various stages of life?

🔥 What Is Burnout, Really?

Burnout is more than just feeling tired. The World Health Organisation defines it as "a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." Burnout encompasses symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, decreased performance, and a sense of detachment. The definition has recently expanded to include aspects beyond the workplace.l aspects of modern life.

🧑‍🎓 Gen Z (Ages 18–27): The Digital Pressure Cooker

Key stressors:

1.   Academic overload

2.   Social media anxiety

3.   Job instability

4.   Climate concerns

A 2023 Gallup report showed that 68% of Gen Z employees reported feeling burnt out at least sometimes, higher than any other generation. Many feel intense pressure to "succeed" in a rapidly changing and visibly under-strained world. While offering connection, social media often becomes a comparison trap, intensifying stress.

How they're coping:

1.   AI therapy tools (e.g., Wysa, Woebot)

2.   Mindfulness apps like Calm and Headspace

3.   Digital detoxes

📌 Source: Teen Vogue, 2024; Gallup, 2023

There are other amazing resources we can encourage Genzers to engage in to achieve that work-life and study-life balance, enjoy their lives in a way that empowers their overall wellbeing, live life on purpose, and know their purpose and way.

👨‍💼 Millennials (Ages 28–43): The Juggling Generation

Key stressors:

1.   Work-life imbalance

2.   The rising cost of living

3.   Student debt

4.   Parenting and caregiving

Millennials are deep in their career-building years, yet many feel stuck in what's known as "grind culture." This culture, characterized by long hours, high expectations, and a constant need to prove oneself, often leads to burnout. A 2024 Deloitte survey noted that nearly 70% of Millennials experience frequent burnout, usually while trying to manage young families, demanding jobs, and their mental health.

How they're coping:

1.   Advocating for flexible work

2.   Switching to purpose-driven careers

3.   Using wellness tech (sleep trackers, therapy platforms)

📌 Source: Deloitte Millennial Survey, 2024

With the rising cost of living, families are impacted in numerous ways. Many parents struggle with the difficult decision of whether one partner should stay home to manage household responsibilities or if both should juggle demanding jobs to make ends meet. This is never an easy decision, and if both parents need to work to afford everything, there are the added expenses of childcare and then school. It can feel like they are not getting ahead.

Many parents feel time-poor, as if the hours in a day are simply not enough, even for their individual needs or for nurturing their relationship as a couple. These pressures can lead to increased stress, worry, and anxiety, which can impact a person's health and then ripple out to the family.

Even though there are challenges, carving out quality time for oneself and for one's partner becomes crucial for maintaining a balanced life. Prioritising "you time" is essential; it allows individuals to recharge, rejuvenate, and cultivate inner peace. When you take care of yourself first, and I know this may sound selfish, you can give to others. You will have a clearer mind and renewed energy, ultimately enabling them to support and nurture their loved ones more effectively.

👨‍👩‍👧 Gen X (Ages 44–59): Stretched Thin So much going on

Key stressors:

1.   Sandwich generation stress

2.   Career stagnation or transitions

3.   Aging health concerns

This age group is often pulled in multiple directions—raising teens, caring for aging parents, and staying relevant at work. The result? Chronic stress, usually internalised, leads to physical symptoms like insomnia, back pain, and hypertension.

How they're coping:

1.   Wellness travel

2.   Preventive health care

3.   New hobbies (gardening, crafts, yoga)

📌 Source: Healthline, 2023; Harvard Health Publishing

In this age group, there is a mixture of people who became parents at a young age and are now navigating their own lives, whether as single individuals or in stable relationships, there's a cloud of concern regarding financial stability and future aspirations. As they enter this transitional phase, the realities of aging begin to emerge, prompting reflections on fitness, healthy lifestyle choices, and mindfulness practices that foster overall wellbeing.

Wellbeing the children have flown the nest, the daily grind can still feel all-consuming, especially for those entrenched in demanding full-time jobs.

Planning for retirement can feel heavy for some people, and it raises questions about what the future holds. Will there be enough savings to enjoy the adventures they've always dreamed of? What will those golden years look like, and will they be able to afford the activities that bring them joy?

In this stage of life, health changes become more pronounced, intensifying worries about financial readiness for unexpected health needs. There's a balance to strike between enduring work satisfaction and the creeping exhaustion that can drain the energy needed to pursue passions and hobbies. This creates a complex tapestry of emotions, including hope, anxiety, and a yearning for fulfilment, while they contemplate their careers and the paths they wish to embrace in the years ahead.

Taking time out to do what you love the most, which replenishes your energy and even makes you laugh, is extremely important. Make a list of the things you love and ensure you do at least one each day. Make your plans and take care of your overall health and wellbeing.

Boomers (60+): Burnout in Retirement?

Key stressors:

1.   Health decline

2.   Loss of purpose after retirement

3.   Financial insecurity

4.   Social isolation

Contrary to the "golden years" stereotype, many older adults feel overlooked or disengaged, particularly those who retired without a strong post-career plan. A recent Time Magazine article revealed how Boomers often battle a quiet kind of burnout emotional fatigue stemming from loneliness and lack of community.

How they're coping:

1.   Volunteering

2.   Grandparenting

3.   Joining wellness groups and senior fitness classes

📌 Source: Time Magazine, 2025; National Council on Aging

For countless individuals, the prospect of retirement is often delayed until age 67. By this stage in life, the reality is that fully engaging in the activities one cherishes may not always be an option due to a gradual decline in health. This deterioration may manifest in various forms—some may struggle with physical ailments, while others face challenges related to mental agility, memory retention, and focus. For many, this decline can be a troubling blend of both. It can be incredibly frustrating to devote nearly fifty years from age 18 to 67 to a career, only to discover that the golden years of retirement are marred by limitations that thwart the joy of living freely. Moreover, the choice of residence becomes a significant conversation; where one lives can significantly impact comfort and wellbeing.

Wellbeing into our sixties and beyond tends to surface an entirely new array of worries and concerns, particularly for those living alone. Safety transforms into a paramount consideration, as age often brings about changes in balance and coordination that make certain activities perilous. Climbing ladders, for instance, becomes ill-advised.

Although there are challenges, prioritising nutrition and maintaining muscle strength and flexibility gains even greater importance. Regular eye examinations also become crucial, ensuring you care for things such as your eyesight and hearing, and routine health check-ups are essential for long-term wellness. Taking proactive steps can significantly enhance the overall quality of life, enabling individuals to navigate their later years with greater confidence and vitality.

💡 So, What Can We Do?

When you understand that burnout impacts your mind, body and soul and that you impact everyone differently and can sometimes sneak up on you, you can start to recognise how it shows up in your life.

Employers, educators, healthcare providers, and communities need to work collaboratively to:

1.   Normalise mental health check-ins across all ages

2.   Create flexible work and learning environments

3.   Have wellbeing programs that work across different age groups.

4.   Promote access to affordable mental health care.

✨ Final Thought

Burnout is not merely a sign of weakness; it's a powerful sign that your body and mind struggle to be at their best. Burnout is an opportunity to create change, and that change could be anything from the systems and environments we use in our daily lives to the fact that we have forgotten to stop and have fun.

Whether in your early twenties or seventies, listening to your body and noticing how you respond to different situations is key to seeing if burnout is creeping into your life. Knowing your needs and respecting your boundaries is one of the most transformative and empowering wellness decisions you can make. Connecting to the deep core purpose of your life and doing what brings you joy, what makes you laugh and smile, helps you to be as strong as you can be, so when you do have challenges, and they will always exist, you can handle them without becoming burnt out.

Invest in yourself. Believe in yourself and take care of yourself; you are worthy of every happiness and success in your life. Do what you love as often as possible.

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Disclaimer: Information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change