While some studies suggest that midlife is an oversimplified time for women, other studies show that women report being less stressed and experiencing a higher quality of life during this time. So, what is it? A recent study found that perceived stress — a measure of confidence, control and ability to deal with life's stressors — indeed decreased for most women over a 15-year period. The study also found that menopausal status was not a factor, challenging the idea that menopause is associated with higher stress and depression.
The results come from data collected from more than 3,000 women aged 42 to 53 recruited into the study of women's health. The aim was to assess the effects of age, menopausal status and sociodemographics on stress over time.
At the end of the study period, the mean age was 62 and stress decreased with age in almost all sociodemographic categories. Women with less education and more financial hardship reported consistently higher levels of stress compared to their peers, but this difference narrowed over time.
"The results suggest that even women with less education or more financial difficulties report less perceived stress in midlife," the researcher said. “And then there's the menopause.
“Our perception of stress actually decreased with the menopause transition, suggesting that menopause is not a big specter, perhaps in relation to the other events or experiences we have in midlife.”
