What is a Midlife Crisis?



What is a midlife crisis? Historically this was perceived as a negative time in one’s life. Men stereotypically drove off in their red sports car with their young secretaries while women were painted as shrill and menopausal with a host of physical issues such as hot flashes, mustaches, and saggy breasts.

what is a midlife crisis The term midlife crisis was coined by Psychologist Elliot Jaques in 1965. He was referring to a time when adults realize their own mortality and how much time they have left in their lives.

What is a midlife crisis? Some Popular definitions:

Medical Dictionary: A period of personal emotional turmoil and coping challenges that some people encounter when they reach middle age, accompanied by a desire for change in their lives, brought on by fears and anxieties about growing older.

Webster’s Dictionary: A period of emotional turmoil in middle age characterized especially by a strong desire for change.

Dictonary.com: A period of psychological stress occurring in middle age, thought to be triggered by a physical, occupational, or domestic event as menopause, diminution of physical prowess, job loss, or departure of children from the home.

Midlife Definition: The average age of midlife is between 40 and 60 years old. Midlife is a time when many people feel the need to reassess where they are in life and make some changes. Midlife crisis doesn’t come to everyone. If your life is going the way you want it to and you’re happy where you are, midlife crisis isn’t even part of your awareness.

What is a midlife crisis in today’s world?

It’s a wonderful opportunity to re-evaluate your life and find what isn’t working and make the necessary changes to lead a fulfilling happy life. It can be a time of great awakening and empowerment.

The fact that you ARE here, and aware of mid life crises, means you are ready for a change.

what is a midlife crisis
The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty. The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits. ~Theodore Roosevelt