One in four 45 to 54-year-olds say their total borrowing has increased over the past year in order to pay existing debts or to help a family member, a survey by Aviva has found.
Others said interest on their outstanding debt had built up after they had taken a payment holiday on a mortgage or other line of credit.
More than three-quarters (78%) of 45 to 54-year-olds surveyed worry about the level of debt they have accrued, while 26 per cent in this group speak to their partner or spouse about money worries, 24 per cent do not talk to anyone.
Nearly a fifth (18%) feel their debt is out of control when it comes to paying off borrowing built up during the pandemic. Some put this feeling down to reduced income, while others said it was due to poor financial skills.
Alistair McQueen, head of savings and retirement at Aviva, said: "Those in mid-life represent the least happy and most anxious age group in the UK - balancing their own needs with younger and older members of their family, and we know that when people feel their debt is out of control it causes huge anxiety.
"What's important to remember is that there is a range of completely free, confidential and impartial services available to help you if debt is becoming a problem. Whatever level of debt you're in, organisations like StepChange, Money Advice Service and CAP (Christians Against Poverty) are qualified to point you in the right direction."
She added: "You can also download Aviva's free Mid Life MOT app - specifically designed to help those aged 45-plus to take stock of their current situation, with a self-led check-up on their wealth, work and wellbeing. By taking control of these different aspects of our lives at regular intervals we will hopefully all be better placed, whatever 2021 brings."
Despite an increase in debt levels during 2020, the 45 to 54-year-old age group did more than any other age group to resolve their money problems, the research suggested.
Aviva said nearly a third (31%) had cut back on non-essentials like luxury goods, holidays and entertainment, rising to 33 per cent in Scotland, versus 26 per cent among all age groups on average across the UK.
A quarter had cut back spending on food and non-alcoholic drinks, against 18 per cent across all age groups.
More than 2,000 people were surveyed in March.
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