The economic downturn affects people in more ways than just the bank account. It also has a psychological effect.
Perhaps the cost of fuel has gone up but the effect of that may be more than the fact that you re paying more.
More than the downturn it could well be that the uncertainty over the future (of ones life but also of your social environment) affects you.
Finally over the years perhaps you've come to realize you will never own that jet to take you to Marrakesh, and that your flying has come to a standstill in terms of development?
That at the hours you do per year you no longer feel that your skills are improving?
That the use of a GA plane is about flying and less a handy affordable way to get from A to B?
That flying itself entails risks? And as you get older you're thinking of your children more?
That flying is not fun (or good or rewarding) when you yourself feel a bit down?
That the preparation is more intense than you'd like and that just "get up and fly" is less and less possible?