Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by middle-aged individuals, particularly focusing on their coping mechanisms and the pressures of daily life, highlighting the need for personal space and relaxation amidst their responsibilities [3][4][5]. Group 1: Middle-aged Men's Coping Mechanisms - Middle-aged men often resort to various activities to relieve stress, with fishing being a popular choice despite the irony of not catching fish [5][7]. - Other common stress-relief methods include drinking alcohol (32.24%), exercising (29.58%), and engaging in photography (22.38%) [7]. - The article notes that many men find solace in gaming, which serves as a nostalgic escape from their daily pressures [8]. Group 2: Middle-aged Women's Coping Mechanisms - Middle-aged women seek brief escapes from their responsibilities, often finding solace in hotels, where they can enjoy peace away from family duties [13][20]. - Common activities for women include sleeping, indulging in takeout, and watching shows, with a significant focus on self-care during these rare moments of solitude [16][17]. - The article highlights that many women use work-related excuses to carve out time for themselves, reflecting the societal pressures they face [26][27]. Group 3: The Burden of Family Responsibilities - The article emphasizes the overwhelming responsibilities of middle-aged parents, particularly mothers, who often feel trapped by their roles [20][22]. - Research indicates that mothers lose significantly more leisure time to childcare compared to fathers, with the average loss being 1.8 hours per day for mothers [22]. - The relentless cycle of work and family obligations leaves little room for personal time, making moments of solitude a rare luxury [25][27].