Matt Elliott and Susan Pearse have teamed up to co-author a compelling new book on thriving in the second half of life. Winning the Second Half offers a dynamic conversation between male and female perspectives, highlighting both differences and common ground while providing practical tools for navigating this life stage together.
In December 2024, they conducted research to explore the desires and challenges faced by men and women aged 40 and beyond.
Below is a summary of their key findings.
Overview of Survey Results
588 people answered the survey conducted in December 2024. 50% were female and 49.83% were male.
Thriving or Surviving
- Overall, 52.62% of survey respondents reported they were thriving compared to 47.38% who said they were surviving.
- Only 47.01% of men reported they are thriving, compared to 57.95% of women.
- 79 % of age group 40-47 believe they are thriving compared to 58% in age group 63-70.
- Around 56% of both men and women reported being where they wanted to be in their lives right now. More respondents in the 63-70 age group said they are where they want to be in life right now, more than any other age group.
- 79% of women and 74.1% of men are satisfied to very satisfied with their lifestyle.
Priorities for the Second Half
- Family, health and happiness were ranked as top priorities for both men and women over 40.
- When asked what goals they hoped to achieve in the next 10 years, the top answer for men was financial stability, followed by improved health. For women, it was travelling to new places and then financial stability.
- Both sexes reported the top 2 priorities for changing their lives as health and financial stability. The number 3 priority for men was relationships, while women favoured new experiences and personal growth.
Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
- 13% of men reported fair to very poor mental and emotional health. 35.4% of women also identified with these categories.
- Respondents in all age groups chose happiness and love as emotions they currently want to feel.
- Happiness is a priority for both genders but more so for males (73.96%) than females (54.80%).
- Worry/ stress was the most ranked emotion that respondents did not want to navigate in all age groups.
- 36% of men reported fair to very poor physical health. 35.03% of women reported the same.
Midlife reflections
- Reflecting on life so far respondents both men and women, are most proud of their family and relationships. After that, men are most proud of career achievements, while women are proud of personal growth and overcoming challenges.
- Both men and women would give the advice to someone entering the second part of their life to focus on health and wellbeing.
Life purpose and relationships
- 54% of both men and women say that their personal experience guides them rather than religious or philosophical beliefs.
- Both genders find most meaning in family and relationships. They report relationships becoming stronger over time.
- 24% of women say personal growth and self-improvement is very important compared to 45.77% men.
- Female respondents value trust, shared values and communication in their relationships now whereas men value trust, fun/enjoyment and respect.
