People aged 50 and over in England have greater life satisfaction and improved wellbeing than before the Covid pandemic, although depression is more common, researchers have concluded in a study.
The research project involved a nationally representative group of people aged 50 and older, however respondents to a Guardian callout painted a more complex picture.
While various people reported feeling more satisfied with life since the pandemic, enjoying a better daily routine and feeling healthier and happier overall, many others said their quality of life had dramatically declined in the intervening years.
Notably, most of the Guardian readers who reported a change for the better said they were financially secure and in good health, had been able to cut back on their working hours and work from home, or had been able to retire early out of personal preference.
The pandemic, such respondents typically said, had allowed them to slow down, spend more time with their family, be physically active, cook at home, pursue hobbies, or even switch to more enjoyable careers.
On the other hand, out of the respondents who said the pandemic had significantly damaged their health, finances, career or relationships, some said they had not been financially well off to begin with, or that the lockdowns had exacerbated pre-existing health issues.
Those who said their life satisfaction had declined said lockdowns had made them isolated, had caused financial losses and mental health issues in either themselves or in, often younger, family members, or had disrupted their social lives and cultural habits.
Various such respondents felt unhappy that the pandemic had led to substantial changes in society – such as people behaving more egoistically – had inflicted permanent damage to certain sectors of the economy, made public services worse and eroded trust in governments, science and institutions.
Here, seven people aged 50 and over reflect on how their lives have changed since Covid.
‘I work from home and fit my life commitments around my work’
Jo Barlow with her husband, Gary, says people should enjoy life while they can
Prior to the pandemic, I worked in a college, which was OK, if not inspiring. I was stuck but not really motivated to look for something else. Then I was made redundant at the start of lockdown, aged 50, which in all honesty suited me. I’d had enough of dealing with the corporate hoo-ha.
I increased the amount of proofreading I had been doing and found work with two publishing houses. I have since started working for a literary festival, which is my dream job.
Life is significantly better since the pandemic. I work from home, which allows me to fit my life commitments around my work: an elderly parent, a sick daughter, grandchildren, and study. I’m in the fortunate position of having a husband who now also works from home, working full-time, so my wages are merely to top up the household accounts. I turn 55 next month and will be taking a lump sum from my pension.
If the pandemic taught us anything, it is that life is too short. Enjoy it while you can!
Jo Barlow, 54, a freelance proofreader and administrator from Cornwall
‘I live in a rural location and I’m quite isolated’
I was generally happier before the pandemic. My last child left home in 2020. I started working from home and now very rarely go into the office. I live in a rural location and I’m quite isolated. Financially, I feel much worse off. The cost of living is difficult, my gas and electricity has just gone up again.
Politically the world is a worrying and scary place. I don’t like working for the government, but at my age I’m not in a position to change careers. The department I work for is a shambles and career opportunities have disappeared. Lots of staff are seriously disillusioned. I’m just trying to hold out till I can afford to retire, there’s no way I will last till I’m 67 but financially I’m going to be taking a risk.
I experienced social anxiety during the pandemic and am still slowly getting back to normal. This is not helped by working from home. Everything changed with the pandemic and this country is a worse place since, although Brexit has a great deal to answer for as well.
Jane*, in her 50s, a civil servant from the south-west
‘Memories of our pre-pandemic life keep haunting us’
The pandemic made us crave more space. We lived in a great ‘up and coming’ part of south-east London, where many of our friends lived too. In many ways, it was the perfect 15-minute city spot. Anything we wanted – from local bakeries, cinema, a sports centre to fantastic transport links and friends – was within walking distance.
The pandemic changed it all. Most of our local friends moved out. Some abroad, others to a different part of London, and so did we, in search of some space and a garden.
Now, five or so years after we moved, we’re finally beginning to find our feet in a new, less charming part of London that offers none or only some of the benefits of the old area. We have some fantastic neighbours and have made some friends locally too.
Life seems less hectic, more “adult”, more mundane, but in some ways also a bit more uncertain. On the one hand, being 50-plus gives us more freedom to be ourselves, rely on our wisdom and care less about what others think. On the other, there’s more talk of “retirement”, “ageism” and “cancer” whenever we meet friends our age.
There’s a scar somewhere – basically, memories of a happier past. Questions about the move and memories of our pre-pandemic life keep haunting us.
It was a definite shift: turning 50 during the pandemic, moving to a new location, losing touch with the people we knew, surviving the pandemic itself. It takes time to get used to.
Mike, 54, an online publishing professional from London
‘I have a slower, worthier lifestyle’
Life is good and events aplenty but, thankfully, less rushed. I retired from full-time work at 56. I had a break, then did part-time work for four years. Now I volunteer in a local bookshop.
The pandemic was a strange experience, but also a time for reflection. I have maintained a slower but worthier lifestyle since, so now I am more satisfied than pre-pandemic, despite having less disposable income since retiring.
A 63-year-old retired care and social worker from Northumberland
‘I have to work at remaining joyful’
Valeria, from Hornchurch in Essex, on a family holiday in Scotland last summer
Before the pandemic I drove a car, was out every day, and fit and healthy. I got lots of exercise through normal daily activity as my grandson has been living with me from birth and kept me busy, and mixed with lots of people. I was never lonely.
Covid completely changed our lifestyle. Since Covid, I put on weight, 2.5 stone (16kg), and started to become physically disabled. My right leg had dragged a bit before Covid, but then my back and left arm started to hurt more. My activities were centred around home, and I’m indoors now all the time. I’m a trip hazard and now use a wheelchair to go out.
My grandson and I bought a cat, which has been really good for me because I have been quite lonely at times. I do miss people. Some of my friendships have stayed online now as my “silver surfer” friends have become computer literate, out of necessity, through the pandemic.
Covid was terribly isolating and quite a traumatic time. I now have to work at remaining joyful, and I was definitely happier pre-Covid.
Valerie Clapham, 71, a retired authorised Church of England lay preacher from Hornchurch, Essex
‘Covid depleted my savings and my business’
I lost most of my savings to get through the Covid era, as I could not work for many months. I also haven’t been able to build my piano lessons back up to what they were.
Creatively, I lost five years and the music business is now much tougher. This is depressing and I’m having to come to terms with it.
I find myself consciously withdrawing from socialising and travelling as I can’t afford either. I’ve also been engaging less. I’ve never had any social accounts and my pessimism about the future (in contrast to my future) is now much stronger.
I’ve only ever had a modest income so have never taken part in the “consumer society”. I don’t have any hobbies or memberships. I’m lucky to live in an affluent city which still supports cultural and educational provision. I suppose my main worry is my health and the fact I wouldn’t be able to afford to pay for emergencies. My quality of life has definitely deteriorated.
Andrew, 75, a musician and piano teacher from Oxford
‘The pandemic has definitely knocked my confidence’
Sue Davies was made redundant in 2020 after nearly 30 years in the same workplace
Up until my 60th birthday, I was very satisfied with my life. I had a good job which was well paid, my family were happy and healthy. In January 2020 I was told I was going to be made redundant due to a buyout of our company. I’d worked there for nearly 30 years and was quite upset for myself and my team – we were very close. I am quite a sociable person.
When I left work I was relieved as it had been a very intense six months and I felt ready for a break, but also apprehensive about the future and fearful as to whether a cure for Covid would be found. I followed the news each day and became very angry at the government. I suppose suddenly my happy, safe world was being turned upside down and I felt helpless, which I now know affected my mental health.
Five years later, I feel that I’m no longer as satisfied as I was. I never returned to work as the pandemic has definitely knocked my confidence. I now tend to overthink things, constantly worry about the health of my family. You could say that instead of feeling satisfied I am now scared, and often feel invisible. Thankfully, I’ve got a lot to look forward to, but I lost myself in the pandemic.
Sue Davies, 64, a retired operations manager from Cambridge
* Name has been changed.
∎