Suicide rates among men in their early 50s across England and Wales have hit a record high, extending a persistent trend of elevated numbers within Generation X, official figures reveal.
A total of 532 suicides were recorded among men aged 50 to 54 in 2025, equating to 28.0 deaths per 100,000 people.
This rises from 27.3 per 100,000 in 2024, marking the highest level for this age demographic since contemporary data collection began in 1981, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The figure also represents the highest rate recorded across any age category for both men and women.
The ONS highlighted that higher rates of suicide have "followed" Generation X men over recent decades.
David Mais, head of mortality statistics at the ONS, said: “Sadly, today’s figures show that suicide rates in England and Wales remain elevated, with the overall rate among the highest recorded this century.
“Men in their early 50s are at most risk, reflecting a pattern of increased rates that has followed Generation X men over the past few decades.”
Sonya Trivedy, an executive director at the suicide support charity Samaritans, said middle-age “can be a particularly challenging stage of life”, often characterised by long-term relationship breakdown, money worries, worsening physical health and caring responsibilities for both children and older parents.
Source: The Independent, 13 October 2026
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