Middle Adulthood: Life Stage Overview
According to Erik Erikson’s classification, peculiarities and distinctive features characterize eight main life stages (infancy, early childhood, preschool, school age, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and maturity). For instance, middle adulthood is the seventh life stage, beginning at 40 and ending at 65. In addition, it is characterized as generativity vs. stagnation (care). One of the main features of this life stage is a change in physical condition. The first external signs of aging, decreased endurance, and the appearance of several diseases are observed.
Middle-aged adults seek their life’s work through volunteering, mentoring, parenting, and contributing to society and the next generation (Lang, 2022). If productivity is not achieved, there is no need to care about other people, things, or ideas, and people come to a stagnant and impoverished personal life. Middle age is a significant stage in a person’s life, accompanied by positive shifts and various experiences and difficulties. Thus, this period has some difficulties, such as a mid-life crisis.
Condition Associated with Middle Adulthood
A midlife crisis is a condition that may occur during that life stage. Some experts assure that a “midlife crisis” is a cultural and Western myth (Greene, 2021). Still, individuals experience complex internal transformations at a new life stage. Sometimes, it feels like the “best years” are behind middle-aged adults; all that lies ahead is old age and uncertainty.
A midlife crisis is a time of deep reflection, meditation, and immersion in thoughts. Grown-ups look outside themselves and ask questions about the meaning of life. Some regret the wrong spouse, and others regret not pursuing a career in their youth.
Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Midlife Crisis Management
One should follow several approaches to a healthy lifestyle to deal with a mid-life crisis efficiently. According to Simon (2023), middle-aged people must increase physical activity and socialize more. Adults must change their thinking, drive away negative thoughts, not fear the future, and devote themselves to their favorite hobbies or travels. “Crisis” will end successfully when a person becomes comfortable with their age and begins to accept “life gifts.”
References
Greene, N. (2021). Midlife crisis or midlife myth? what to know about going ‘over the hill’. Healthline. Web.
Lang, D. (2022). Individual and family development, health, and well-being. Iowa State University Digital Press.
Simon, S. (2023). Midlife crisis: Signs, causes and treatments. Forbes. Web.