Reevaluating Midlife Well-being: The role of external and inherent factors

Chao Li, Jie Mi, Jiaxu Zhang, Alexander Ryota Keeley, Bo Shi and Shunsuke Managi

Discussion papers from Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)

Abstract: This study delves into the complex causes of low well-being among middle-aged individuals by analyzing over 1.9 million global responses from 168 countries between 2009 and 2022. Employing an exogenous switching treatment effect model and advanced machine learning techniques, this study identifies a U-shaped relationship between age and well-being, where middle-aged individuals experience the lowest levels of well-being. The present study reveals that middle-aged individuals face significantly poorer external treatment compared with the younger and older populations, contributing to a noticeable decrease in their well-being. Conversely, older adults benefit from inherent factors that boost their well-being, illustrating a positive relationship between age and well-being at older ages. Furthermore, the widening disparity in external treatment between age groups over time is particularly pronounced for middle-aged individuals. These findings provide crucial insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address the external challenges disproportionately faced by middle-aged individuals. By understanding and addressing these external disparities, policies can be developed to enhance overall well-being across all age groups.

Pages: 50 pages
Date: 2025-02
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eti:dpaper:25019

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