Viktor Frankl's own profound experience as a holocaust survivor created a deeper need to search for meaning. When one has lived a generally balanced life with the usual struggles to succeed and survive there isn't 'such' a great need for deep, meaning and 'life' enquiry unless you are inclined that way. Commonly, It's when people are faced with something terrifying and possibly life damaging or threatening that they have to contemplate their own fate and for many, the meaning of their existence regardles of their age.
The degree of 'need for meaning' depends on how profoundly people are affected by their experiences. In 1972 post hippiedom was a sponge still absorbing the shock of WW2, Vietnam, terrorism and nuclear threats, creating much existential enquiry. Materialism and the sheer volume of other distracting factors since the 80's has desensitized people who are in general, in the absence of direct, personal threat, or educational requirements, more focused on just getting on with their lives. Here is a little clip by Viktor Frankl on Religion and Ultimate Meaning 1990
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