Overview #
This study investigates the influence of modifiable lifestyle factors and health characteristics on the mental health of midlife Australian women. Mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, represent a significant global public health burden and are projected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
Abstract #
This study investigated the influence of modifiable lifestyle factors and health characteristics on the mental health of midlife Australian women. Mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, represent a significant global public health burden. They are projected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Midlife women, aged 40 to 65, are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors that contribute to poor mental health outcomes. These conditions peak during midlife, a stage often characterised by caregiving responsibilities, major life transitions, and evolving health profiles. With increased longevity, midlife women are at greater risk of experiencing prolonged periods of poor mental health. Despite the significance of this life stage, it remains under-researched.
Prior research has primarily focused on individual modifiable lifestyle behaviours however, the combined effects of multiple health behaviours remain underexplored. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model, the Psychological Wellbeing model and the Subjective Wellbeing Model, the study aimed to address gaps in the current research. This study employed a cross-sectional design, recruiting 908 Australian women aged 40–65 via a self-reported online questionnaire. It examined the combined impact of modifiable lifestyle factors psychological and subjective wellbeing, perceived health, and sociodemographic variables on the mental health of midlife Australian women. Data analysis included descriptive statistics with depressive and anxiety symptoms as dependent variables. Predictor variables included demographics, modifiable lifestyle factors (MLFs) (e.g., physical activity, BMI, diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption). And psychological wellbeing (PWB), subjective wellbeing (SWB), and perceived health status (PHS).
The results highlighted that all three predictor blocks were significant, with MLFs being the strongest predictor of anxiety and depression. PWB and SWB and PHS factors, were also significant contributors, reinforcing the need for a holistic approach to mental health interventions. Targeted interventions should include wellbeing and community programs addressing aging perceptions, workshops on psychological preparedness for life transitions including empty nesting, phased retirement, and financial literacy. This research highlights the significance of midlife in shaping social marketing strategies to promote positive behavioural change, ultimately improving the mental health and wellbeing of midlife Australian women.
Access #
Foula Zografina Kopanidis PhD – RMIT University (foula.kopanidis@rmit.edu.au); https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hpja.816
Location #
Australia
Key words #
Midlife, women, mental health, wellbeing, lifestyle, WSMC-Alicante
