life After Midlife

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Living by Connie Mason Michaelis

So much is written about midlife crisis today. One of the first published mentions of this phenomenon was by psychologist Elliot Jaques who coined the term "midlife crisis" in a 1965 article, referring to a time (approximately 45-55) when adults reckon with their mortality and their sense of a dwindling number of remaining years of productive life. As I was hitting my stride as a teenager in the 60's, I guess some psychologists decided we might run into a brick wall at about 50 years old. And some of us did! Stop and consider that in 1900 the average life expectancy in the US was 47 - no worries about midlife crisis then! My parents never heard of such a thing. It appears that one of the primary reasons for a midlife crisis is that we assume we have a lot more time to live, and we're asking ourselves, "Am I satisfied? Is this all there is?" Isn't it ironic that given a longer life to relish creates anxiety about how to thrive in the time we have?

If we manage to survive the midlife crisis, and tragically some do not, then I suggest we face a post-midlife watershed. For many, retirement ushers in another trauma of purpose. Perhaps it is not the trauma of facing our mortality for the first time, but nonetheless, it is a time of discovery about our personal identity. Who am I when the family is raised, career is over or winding down, and I possibly have another 20 to 30 years to live? It is not so much that we are facing our mortality, but it is facing the fact that we've got years to live and lots of time to fill. How can we remain productive, engaged, and occupied? How can I maintain health and mental acuity? Will I have enough money to last? Just as in midlife, we must reorganize and readjust. We have to plan for an invigorating, meaningful future.