Question

Midlife—Making the Most of the “Second Half”

Have you heard the saying, “Life begins at forty?” Unfortunately the cultural messages we receive about midlife are often negative (an emphasis on the development of wrinkles and gray hair, for example) rather than positive (a time of advancement in one’s career, freedom from the responsibilities of caring for young children). Midlife is often a time of transition. People may change careers or end long-term marriages as they assess where they are in life and how they would like to spend the remainder of their lives. Because these transitions are sometimes painful, the concept of the “midlife crisis” has been created and has become popular in American culture. However, there has also been some debate questioning whether the midlife crisis is a universal experience and, in fact, whether it even exists. Review research on the concept of the midlife crisis and draw your own conclusions about its existence and prevalence in American culture. You will also discuss some ways that we can create a more positive image of midlife.

What is the evidence for the existence of the midlife crisis?

Why has the concept become so pervasive in American culture?

Discuss at least two ways that we can create a more positive image of midlife in our culture.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) A mid-life crisis is typically characterised by individuals in their later forties or early fifties making impulsive choices. For instance, people of that age might get a hairstyle that is too young and vibrant for their age, they might go skydiving, they might go to a club, buy a convertible, take a trip etc.

Such behaviour that is more like an anachronism for the aging individual is a mid-life crisis. This is done when an individual is reluctant to face the fact that they are no longer young and agile. Therefore, such actions are more like the last attempt to reclaim their younger days for a little longer before they permanently lose it.

In American culture, youth is described as a coveted possession. Without “youth” it is difficult to get attention, it is difficult to appear interesting and it is difficult to be the coveted individual.

Secondly, a person in their forties would generally be affluent enough to afford to buy a convertible, upgrading to an expensive wardrobe, taking a fancy trip etc.

Therefore, the glory of youth, coupled with the financial ability to grasp a stage of life that is fleeting, is what causes such a concept to pervade in American culture in a way that it has.

The best way to create a positive image is firstly, to stop over-glorifying “youth” and secondly, to acknowledge the older individuals in society. Any individual, despite their age, might have the insight to offer and a person is important despite what their age might be. This notion might result in people gracefully accepting each stage of life and moving on to it without any sense of longing, regret or denial.