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Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s why

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rob-newton-12124">Rob Newton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a></em></p> <p>You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. They might also check your weight. Looking concerned, they recommend some lifestyle changes.</p> <p>GPs and health professionals commonly <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-body-mass-index-cant-tell-us-if-were-healthy-heres-what-we-should-use-instead-211190">measure waist circumference</a> as a vital sign for health. This is a better indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the amount of intra-abdominal fat. This is the really risky fat around and within the organs that can drive heart disease and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>Men are at greatly increased risk of health issues if their waist circumference is <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/311/7017/1401">greater than 102 centimetres</a>. Women are considered to be at greater risk with a waist circumference of <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/311/7017/1401">88 centimetres or more</a>. More than <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/waist-circumference-and-bmi/latest-release">two-thirds of Australian adults</a> have waist measurements that put them at an increased risk of disease. An even better indicator is waist circumference divided by height or <a href="https://www.baker.edu.au/news/in-the-media/waist-height-ratio#:%7E:text=According%20to%20research%2C%20a%20healthy,the%20highest%20risk%20of%20disease.">waist-to-height ratio</a>.</p> <p>But we know people (especially women) have a propensity to <a href="https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(19)30588-5/abstract">gain weight around their middle during midlife</a>, which can be very hard to control. Are they doomed to ill health? It turns out that, although such measurements are important, they are not the whole story when it comes to your risk of disease and death.</p> <h2>How much is too much?</h2> <p>Having a waist circumference to height ratio larger than 0.5 is associated with greater risk of chronic disease as well as premature death and this applies in adults of any age. A healthy waist-to-height ratio is between 0.4 to 0.49. A ratio of 0.6 or more <a href="https://www.baker.edu.au/news/in-the-media/waist-height-ratio#:%7E:text=According%20to%20research%2C%20a%20healthy,the%20highest%20risk%20of%20disease">places a person at the highest risk of disease</a>.</p> <p>Some experts recommend <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-019-0310-7">waist circumference be routinely measured in patients during health appointments</a>. This can kick off a discussion about their risk of chronic diseases and how they might address this.</p> <p>Excessive body fat and the associated health problems manifest more strongly during midlife. A range of social, personal and physiological factors come together to make it more difficult to control waist circumference as we age. Metabolism tends to slow down mainly due to decreasing muscle mass because people do <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcb.25077">less vigorous physical activity, in particular resistance exercise</a>.</p> <p>For women, hormone levels begin changing in mid-life and this also <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/13697137.2012.707385">stimulates increased fat levels particularly around the abdomen</a>. At the same time, this life phase (often involving job responsibilities, parenting and caring for ageing parents) is when elevated stress can lead to <a href="https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/abstract/2000/09000/stress_and_body_shape__stress_induced_cortisol.5.aspx">increased cortisol which causes fat gain in the abdominal region</a>.</p> <p>Midlife can also bring poorer sleep patterns. These contribute to fat gain with <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.0010062">disruption to the hormones that control appetite</a>.</p> <p>Finally, your family history and genetics can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1002695">make you predisposed to gaining more abdominal fat</a>.</p> <h2>Why the waist?</h2> <p>This intra-abdominal or visceral fat is much more metabolically active (it has a greater impact on body organs and systems) than the fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat).</p> <p>Visceral fat surrounds and infiltrates major organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines, releasing a variety of chemicals (hormones, inflammatory signals, and fatty acids). These affect inflammation, lipid metabolism, cholesterol levels and insulin resistance, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartjsupp/article/8/suppl_B/B4/461962">contributing to the development of chronic illnesses</a>.</p> <p>The issue is particularly evident <a href="https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(19)30588-5/abstract">during menopause</a>. In addition to the direct effects of hormone changes, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960076013001118?via%3Dihub">declining levels of oestrogen change brain function, mood and motivation</a>. These psychological alterations can result in reduced physical activity and increased eating – often of comfort foods high in sugar and fat.</p> <p>But these outcomes are not inevitable. Diet, exercise and managing mental health can limit visceral fat gains in mid-life. And importantly, the waist circumference (and ratio to height) is just one measure of human health. There are so many other aspects of body composition, exercise and diet. These can have much larger influence on a person’s health.</p> <h2>Muscle matters</h2> <p>The quantity and quality of skeletal muscle (attached to bones to produce movement) a person has makes a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2012.49">big difference</a> to their heart, lung, metabolic, immune, neurological and mental health as well as their physical function.</p> <p>On current evidence, it is equally or more important for health and longevity to <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e7279">have</a> higher muscle mass and better cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness than waist circumference within the healthy range.</p> <p>So, if a person does have an excessive waist circumference, but they are also sedentary and have less muscle mass and aerobic fitness, then the recommendation would be to focus on an appropriate exercise program. The fitness deficits should be addressed as priority rather than worry about fat loss.</p> <p>Conversely, a person with low visceral fat levels is not necessarily fit and healthy and may have quite poor aerobic fitness, muscle mass, and strength. <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/6/504">The research evidence</a> is that these vital signs of health – how strong a person is, the quality of their diet and how well their heart, circulation and lungs are working – are more predictive of risk of disease and death than how thin or fat a person is.</p> <p>For example, a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5510687/">2017 Dutch study</a> followed overweight and obese people for 15 years and found people who were very physically active had no increased heart disease risk than “normal weight” participants.</p> <h2>Getting moving is important advice</h2> <p>Physical activity has many benefits. Exercise can counter a lot of the negative behavioural and physiological changes that are occurring during midlife including for people going through menopause.</p> <p>And regular exercise reduces the tendency to use food and drink to help manage what can be a <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2008/05000/physical_activity,_sedentary_index,_and_mental.7.aspx">quite difficult time in life</a>.</p> <p>Measuring your waist circumference and monitoring your weight remains important. If the measures exceed the values listed above, then it is certainly a good idea to make some changes. Exercise is effective for fat loss and in particular <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/16/1035">decreasing visceral fat</a> with greater effectiveness when <a href="https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-019-0864-5">combined with dietary restriction of energy intake</a>. Importantly, any fat loss program – whether through drugs, diet or surgery – is also a muscle loss program unless resistance exercise is part of the program. Talking about your overall health with a doctor is a great place to start.</p> <p><a href="https://www.essa.org.au/Public/Public/Searches/find-aep-withdistance.aspx">Accredited exercise physiologists</a> and <a href="https://member.dietitiansaustralia.org.au/Portal/Portal/Search-Directories/Find-a-Dietitian.aspx">accredited practising dietitians</a> are the most appropriate allied health professionals to assess your physical structure, fitness and diet and work with you to get a plan in place to improve your health, fitness and reduce your current and future health risks.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. 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More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rob-newton-12124"><em>Rob Newton</em></a><em>, Professor of Exercise Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/good-news-midlife-health-is-about-more-than-a-waist-measurement-heres-why-226019">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Embracing unapologetic authenticity: Empowering women in midlife and beyond to be their true selves

<p>In recent nationally representative research conducted by <a href="https://www.connectedwomen.net/">Connected Women</a>, a concerning trend emerged among women over the age of 50, with the majority of respondents revealing that a lack of confidence was holding them back from forming new friendships (58%). Even more salient, was that nearly a third (32%) expressed a desire for more meaningful connections. </p> <p>Findings like this underscore the need for a new way of thinking amongst this group, and the urgent need for women to unapologetically embrace authenticity, be themselves, and put themselves, their passions, and their desires, first. The lack of confidence to step out into the world is not only hindering their ability to form connections, but to accept who they are as individuals. </p> <p>So, ladies, picture this: You've finally reached midlife, and while the years have brought wisdom and experience, you also find yourself grappling with self-doubt and societal expectations. It's time to shed the cloak of self-consciousness and embrace what makes you unique.</p> <p><strong>A new way of thinking</strong></p> <p>Embracing unapologetic authenticity means learning to appreciate yourself for who you are - a multifaceted individual shaped by your own experiences, with your own interests and your own opinions. It's about freeing yourself from the constraints of societal norms and comparisons and recognising that you deserve to take up space and shine as your true self.</p> <p>In my work as the founder of Connected Women, I am fortunate to have encountered thousands of women, and what I consistently observe is that the happiest and most fulfilled are the ones who boldly embrace their authentic selves and put themselves out there to try new things and connect with new people. They truly radiate a captivating energy that lights up any room, and people naturally gravitate towards them. I, too, find myself drawn to their presence.</p> <p>But how do you become unapologetically authentic when for so many years, you’ve likely put others needs first or shied away from pursuing things that you love? </p> <p><strong>Show yourself some love</strong></p> <p>Absolutely, the first step to embracing your most authentic self is to show yourself some love – as hard as that may be!</p> <p>Midlife presents an ideal opportunity to prioritise self-care and rekindle passions you may have lost while juggling careers, marriages, children, and aging parents. Pursuing personal growth and fulfilment becomes a transformative journey as you rediscover the flames that once ignited your soul.</p> <p>This could be something as simple as a weekly art class, joining the local choir, or opting for a tennis club. It’s about finding or reconnecting with the things that bring you joy, showing up and being truly present with the experience. </p> <p>The newfound confidence and authenticity you will find from participating in these joyous experiences will undoubtedly radiate, attracting like-minded souls through these shared experiences who appreciate you for who you are. Through these genuine connections, a supportive environment is fostered, allowing everyone to flourish.</p> <p><strong>Surround yourself with positivity</strong></p> <p>The journey to authenticity will be an easier ‘ride’ if you are surrounded by like-minded people. Should you find yourself wanting more from your friendships, I’d encourage you to seek out groups like Connected Women, where you have the space and opportunity to truly find people who share your world views and encourage you to be true to yourself and shine bright! </p> <p><strong>Break free!</strong></p> <p>The journey to unapologetic authenticity is absolutely one of empowerment and self-discovery. As women in midlife, we must challenge limiting beliefs that we are undeserving of happiness and instead remember our right to take up space and shine! Together, lets create a space where every woman feels empowered to embrace her true self, regardless of age or expectations. It's absolutely time to step into the spotlight, be unapologetically authentic, and let your radiance light up the world. You deserve it! </p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/08/Phoebe-headshot-EDITED.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong><em>Phoebe Adams is the founder of Connected Women, an organisation providing a community for women over 50 to connect with each other and build meaningful friendships. With a rapidly growing community in Perth, Sydney, Wollongong, and Melbourne, Connected Women provides a safe and welcoming space for women to come together and share experiences. To learn more about the organisation and how you can get involved, visit <a href="https://www.connectedwomen.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connectedwomen.net</a>.</em></strong></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Reinventing yourself in midlife

<p>Midlife can be an exciting time for women. It's a period of change and growth, a time to reflect on your past and explore new possibilities for your future. For many women, the empty nest and retirement can also be an opportunity to explore new interests and passions, and while change can be challenging, it's also an opportunity to discover new passions, make new friends, and create a life that truly reflects your values and priorities.</p> <p>In my role at Connected Women, I have come to believe that social connections can play a vital role in this process of reinvention. By connecting with like-minded women, you can find support, inspiration, and encouragement as you explore new interests and navigate this new phase of life.</p> <p>So why is midlife the perfect time for reinvention? There are a few reasons.</p> <p><strong>You have more time</strong></p> <p>With retirement on the horizon and the kids out of the house – or at least able to get themselves from A to B without #mumtaxi, you hopefully have a little more time to pursue your interests and passions. Whether it's learning a new skill, taking up a hobby, or travelling to a new destination, you can create a life that truly reflects your values and priorities.</p> <p><strong>You have more experience</strong></p> <p>With years of experience under your belt, you have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to draw from. With age comes the wisdom to know what you're good at, what you enjoy, and what you want to avoid. Use this knowledge to make more informed decisions about your future and your goals.</p> <p><strong>You have more perspective</strong></p> <p>As you get older, you begin to see the bigger picture. You understand the importance of relationships, of pursuing your passions, and of making the most of every moment. And with this perspective, you can approach life with a greater sense of purpose and intention.</p> <p>While midlife can be a time of change and uncertainty, it's also an opportunity to redefine yourself and your priorities. Here are some tips to help you embrace this new chapter of your life:</p> <p><strong>Take time to reflect</strong></p> <p>Spend some time thinking about what you want your future to look like. What are your passions? What are your values? What are your goals?</p> <p><strong>Try something new</strong></p> <p>Whether it's a new hobby or a new career, don't be afraid to try something new. You never know what you might discover about yourself.</p> <p><strong>Stay active</strong></p> <p>Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it's also good for your mental health. Staying active can help you feel more energised and motivated.</p> <p><strong>Make new friends</strong></p> <p>Joining a group like Connected Women can be a great way to meet new people who share your new and shiny interests and passions. As a group of supportive and interested women, we're here to help you navigate this new phase of your life.</p> <p>Whether you're looking for friendship, support, or inspiration, our community of like-minded women can help you make the most of this exciting new chapter. So don't be afraid to embrace change and explore new possibilities. The best is yet to come!</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/Phoebe-headshot-EDITED.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Phoebe Adams is the founder of Connected Women, an organisation providing a community for women over 50 to connect with each other and build meaningful friendships. With a rapidly growing community in Perth, Sydney, Wollongong, and Melbourne, Connected Women provides a safe and welcoming space for women to come together and share experiences. To learn more about the organisation and how you can get involved, visit <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" href="https://www.connectedwomen.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connectedwomen.net</a>.</em></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Image credits: Getty Images</em></span></p>

Relationships

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Midlife chronic conditions associated with higher dementia risk as we age

<p dir="ltr">Middle-aged people with multiple chronic conditions may have a higher risk of developing dementia later in life according to a new study.</p> <p dir="ltr">French researchers <a href="https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/midlife-chronic-conditions-linked-to-increased-dementia-risk-later-in-life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found</a> that middle aged people with at least two chronic conditions - including diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and chronic lung disease (COPD) - have a higher risk of dementia than those who develop these conditions when they are older.</p> <p dir="ltr">While studies have shown that having two or more chronic conditions - known as multimorbidity - is common, especially among older people and those with dementia, little is known about how multimorbidity affects one’s risk of dementia.</p> <p dir="ltr">The new study, published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-068005" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BMJ</a></em>, saw the team use data collected from over 10,000 British men and women involved in the Whitehall II Study, which looks at the association between social, behavioural and biological factors and long-term health.</p> <p dir="ltr">Of the 10,095 participants in the study, about 600 people (6.6 percent) had multimorbidity at 55, while 3200 people (32 percent) did by 70.</p> <p dir="ltr">When participants first joined the study between the ages of 35 and 55, they were free of dementia.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over a median follow-up period of 32 years, the team identified 639 people with dementia.</p> <p dir="ltr">The researchers then found that, considering factors such as age, sex, diet and lifestyle, people with multimorbidity at 55 had a 2.4-times higher risk of dementia compared to those without any of the 13 chronic conditions they looked at.</p> <p dir="ltr">They also found that this association weakened as the age that people were diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions increased.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though the team did find an association between age, multimorbidity and dementia risk, they stressed it was an observational study that can’t establish cause and effect.</p> <p dir="ltr">They also noted some limitations to their study, such as the misclassification of some dementia cases, and that the study participants were likely to be healthier than the general population.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite these limitations, the researchers said their findings could be promising for finding ways of preventing dementia.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Given the lack of effective treatment and its personal and societal implications, finding targets for prevention of dementia is imperative,” they write.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These findings highlight the role of prevention and management of chronic diseases over the course of adulthood to mitigate adverse outcomes in old age.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-626c7940-7fff-39aa-b438-7752a9c6a76c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Inside the world’s first midlife wisdom school

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When retirement age hits, a whole new set of challenges are presented. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From health insurance, funeral plans, superannuation and everything in between, the transition into retirement can be trickier than originally thought.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In order to help with this uncertain time, the world’s first </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">midlife wisdom school, known as <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.modernelderacademy.com" target="_blank">Modern Elder Academy</a> (MEA) has been founded by CEO Chip Conley.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">MEA offers courses, both on-line and in person that help people to navigate midlife transitions, find purpose and reframe their mindset on ageing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">MEA attracts people of all ages and stages, from midlife and beyond to help and reframe how individuals think about retirement. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Writer Ang Galloway, who is part of the MEA team, said the program helped them restructure their thinking. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I want more from the second half of life than the societal script I inherited. I knew I wasn’t in the market for sensible, beige or elasticised anything and yet the image of ageing that society reflected back at me was at total odds with how I felt. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“MEA helped me to reframe midlife from a crisis to a calling.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Founder Chip Conley said he was inspired to create MEA after writing his book titled </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wisdom@Work: The Making of Modern Elder. </span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There’s a whole culture out there telling us that getting older means becoming less relevant. But MEA deems that wisdom and experience have never been more important in the workplace…or in the world.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said, “At MEA we believe in making ageing aspirational. It’s about creating a life that is as deep and meaningful as it is long.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">MEA runs a series of online courses, including “Navigating Midlife Transitions”, “The Big Reset” and “Flourish in Midlife and Beyond”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The courses have been a huge success online, with people from all over the globe saying how MEA’s message helped them redefine what retirement means for them.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Shutterstock</span></em></p>

Retirement Life

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Yet another blow to the myth of the midlife crisis

<p><em><strong>Susan Krauss Whitbourne is a professor of Psychology and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She writes the Fulfilment at Any Age blog for Psychology Today.</strong></em></p> <p>We keep hearing about the universality of the midlife crisis, from popular television shows to news articles hailing the <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/14/fashion/a-curious-midlife-crisis-for-a-tech-entrepreneur.html" target="_blank">massive shift in personality</a></span></strong> experienced by the 30- to 50-somethings. It doesn’t matter that the data <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-krauss-whitbourne/midlife-crisis-myth_b_2371951.html" target="_blank">continue to refute</a></strong></span> the notion. Other than a handful of ancient studies on rather biased samples, there simply is no evidence of a tectonic shift in the psyche’s plates during the midlife years.</p> <p>The reasons for the myth’s persistence continue to fascinate me. Partly it’s because people are such poor statisticians. We remember the two or three cases of people we know who prove the myth to be true and disregard the dozens, if not hundreds, of others in our acquaintance who continue steadfastly through the middle decades of life. There’s also a fascination and allure to the midlife crisis. Seen as a foible of the rich and famous (who can afford the outrageously expensive sports cars that go with the myth), we feel that some of their celebrity rubs off on us when we can connect to the changes they seem to be going through.</p> <p>The alternative to the midlife crisis myth, that the middle decades are full of the same-old same-old of work, marriage, childcare, and the like, seems like an unattractive way to imagine the arc that our lives will take. Indeed, the old view of personality, that it’s set in plaster by the age of 30, if not earlier, is also now considered a myth in view of the heaps of evidence showing that people can change, albeit in gradual ways, at any point in life.</p> <p>My latest personality study, on which data will be presented at the upcoming American Psychological Association Convention adds yet more fuel to the anti-midlife crisis flames. In this study, my colleague Seth Schwartz from the University of Miami along with Lemoyne College graduate Taylor R. Lewis, analyzed the responses of nearly 500 midlife and older adults (from the 30s to the late 60s) to a simple scale known as the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.michaelfsteger.com/?page_id=13" target="_blank">Meaning in Life Questionnaire</a></strong></span>.</p> <p>The MLQ is a neat questionnaire. With only 10 items, it’s quick to take, and the scoring involves adding up people’s responses to two 5-item subscales: Presence of Meaning in Life (e.g. “I understand my life’s meaning”) and Search for Meaning in Life (e.g. “I am always looking to find my life’s purpose.”). We administered this questionnaire to our sample via an online survey site, asking them also to describe their current state of well-being and overall satisfaction.</p> <p>The key question for the purpose of documenting a midlife crisis was whether participants in their 40s, supposedly in the throes of its worst torment, would rate themselves as unusually low in the Presence of Meaning and unusually high in Search for Meaning. After crunching the numbers, my colleagues and I concluded that, yet again, the midlife crisis doesn’t exist. The participants with the highest Search for Meaning scores were in their 30s, and the mean scores decreased in a straight line after that across the remaining age groups of the 40-, 50-, and 60-year-olds. The opposite pattern showed up in Purpose in Life. The 60-somethings were comfortably secure in feeling that they knew what their lives were about, and the 30-somethings were not. The 40-year-olds were simply a data point on an otherwise invariant straight line.</p> <p>Of course, there are variations from person to person based not just on age but on personality in such qualities as finding purpose and meaning in life. Also, the people with the highest MLQ Meaning scores and lowest Search scores had the highest levels of well-being. Here again, though, as in so many surveys of thousands of adults, there were no clear age-related valleys (or peaks) in midlife in any of these qualities.</p> <p>If you’re a firm believer in the midlife crisis, because you know someone who had one or had one yourself, you may still shrug off the study’s findings. Personal experience is hard to argue with when all I’ve got to muster for my case are a set of numbers. However, I do hope you will use the findings of my latest study to think twice before you accept the midlife crisis idea uncritically. It’s possible the people who are the unhappiest at midlife are unhappy not because of their age but because of life circumstances or even a lifetime of a depressed mood or anxious personality. In either case, people who are hurting in midlife can benefit from treatment. You don’t have to accept sadness at midlife because you think it’s a “phase.” Seeking help can benefit you and those you care about the most, whatever the cause may be.</p> <p>Do you believe in the midlife crisis? Have you had one? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Susan Krauss Whitbourne. First appeared on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Huffington Post</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/06/not-getting-older-just-more-complex/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>You’re not getting older, you’re getting more complex</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/how-to-live-passionately-no-matter-your-age/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to live passionately – no matter your age</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/are-you-having-a-late-life-crisis/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Are you having a “late-life” crisis?</strong></em></span></a></p>

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