Running head: MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 1

The Trials and Triumphs of Middle Adulthood

Katarina Scheffer

Western Washington University

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 2

The Trials and Triumphs of Middle Adulthood

“Middle age is the awkward period when Father Time starts catching up with Mother Nature.” -Harold Coffin

Introduction

Throughout their lives, human beings undergo a great number of transformations and

challenges. From the time of initial conception until their final breath, people experience

continual and often rapid changes in their physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual

lives. Although these transformations happen in every stage of life, some of the most profound

changes occur during middle adulthood, when people first become aware of the subtle changes

that signify the process of aging. Situated between the ages of 35 – 65, although some prefer

to narrow middle age down to the years that span 45 – 55, this time of life manifests as an

assortment of experiences and emotions that are generally not encountered in any other stage

of life, at least not to the same degree as during mid-life. Frequently characterized by receding

hairlines, expanding waistlines, graying temples, and diminishing stamina, middle age can be

experienced as a time of distress over fading looks, concern about ailments, or regrets about

missed opportunities. However, the middle years can also be a time of liberation and relief

from prior worries or constraints as people gain perspective and garner wisdom, often shedding

unhealthy, stagnating beliefs or relationships in order to live authentically and find fulfillment.

Physical Development

According to Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden (2006), the concept of middle age is

a social construction. Although a virtually imperceptible decline in physical health and

appearance usually begins in early adulthood, becoming most noticeable in a person’s forties,

most sources agree that, in general, middle aged adults experience good health (Crandall,

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 3

Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006; Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008). Nonetheless, these

sources go on to describe the multitude of other changes that begin to occur during middle age,

such as decreases in height, weight gain in the form of higher body fat, loss of muscle and bone,

all of which contribute to stiffness and diminished strength and coordination. Skin begins to

show signs of wrinkling, sagging, and age spots while the hair begins to thin and turn gray.

Vision changes occur, such as inability to focus, acuity, farsightedness, and difficulties in dim

light, and glasses are often needed for reading. They assert that hearing loss can be another

issue, particularly for men who begin to lose the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. Rises in

blood pressure and cholesterol occur, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. Sleep

disturbances may start to become an issue and frustration (Norsigian, 2005; Santrock, 2008).

The reproductive capacities of both men and women wane as hormone levels begin to

fluctuate and decline, particularly estrogen for women and testosterone for men (Feldman,

2010; Norsigian, 2005; Santrock, 2008). According to these sources, women enter a period of

fifteen or twenty years of physiological changes that bring on menopause, often experiencing

discomforts such as hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, and increased risk of heart disease, stroke,

and osteoporosis. Menstrual cycles cease and women become unable to bear children any

longer. Men, though able to father children, begin to enter a climacteric themselves about ten

years after women do, exhibiting lowered potency as their sperm count declines and motility

slows, erections become more difficult to produce and maintain, and their prostate gland

enlarges, leading to problems with urination (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006;

Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008). Consequently, the frequency of sexual relations typically

decrease with age due to either increasing physical limitations for both men and women,

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 4

boredom, or concern over other life issues, although individual circumstances play a role.

Conversely, some sexual relationships improve in middle-age, as worries about pregnancy

disappear and people become more comfortable and relaxed with themselves and each other.

Misguidedly, western culture places a great deal of importance on youthfulness and a

double standard exists among the sexes, with men often described as mature and distinguished

while women are seen as old and haggard, although attitudes vary greatly by culture (Crandall,

Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006; Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008). In general, low-income

and minority status are associated with poorer health and well-being, as is the case during all

life stages (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006). Fortunately, most middle-aged adults

are able to compensate for the small, gradual declines in physical abilities and many can

improve their health with regular exercise, adequate rest, and proper diet (Crandall, Crandall,

and Vander Zanden, 2006; Feldman, 2010; Norsigian, 2005; Santrock, 2008).

Emotional Development

Midlife can bring a whirlwind of emotions. The stresses of newly diagnosed or chronic

illnesses in oneself or loved ones, divorce after many years of marriage, dealing with “empty

nest syndrome”, financial woes due to job transitions or children’s college tuition, caring for

aging parents, and the loss of loved ones such as close relatives and friends becomes more

common during this stage. Roles that one has become familiar with begin to change (Norsigian,

2005). Unmanaged stress can become a serious problem that affects physiological conditions

and leads to an increased susceptibility to illnesses such as heart disease, coronary artery

disease, diabetes, and cancer (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006; Feldman, 2010;

Santrock, 2008). A buildup of small, everyday stressors is often more harmful than major

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 5

upheavals in life, and recurrent stress, such work related, may lead to burnout (Crandall,

Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006).

Lifestyle and attitude greatly affect levels of stress; therefore, physical activity, healthy

diet, proper rest, going out and socializing, relaxation techniques, and avoiding addictive

substances can significantly improve stress levels (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006;

Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008). These sources further explain that many middle-aged people

learn to focus on their abilities in order to make up for their weaknesses, allowing them to feel

a sense of control and empowerment over the changes that are happening to them. The

diminishing feelings of concern over what others think, which often occurs in mid-life, can be a

relief and people begin to feel as though they can finally be themselves after years of trying to

be what others expect of them. Interestingly, major character traits tend to change the least

between the ages of forty to fifty (Feldman, 2010).

Cognitive Development

During middle adulthood, people are better able to make decisions based on postformal

thought, which is a though process that incorporates emotion, logic, intuition, and personal

experience (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006; Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008).

Cognitive development begins to change from the previous stages of continual gains that build

upon one another to a mix of gains in some areas and losses in others (Crandall, Crandall, and

Vander Zanden, 2006). Some studies show decreases of intelligence occurring with age, while

others show increases, whereas both are likely to be the case and depend upon many factors

such as genetics, level of schooling, lifestyle, and activities (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander

Zanden, 2006; Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008). They further elaborate that the ability to think

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 6

abstractly, reason, identify patterns, and use mental abilities to solve new problems, known as

fluid intelligence, begins to decline after early adulthood, however, crystallized intelligence,

which is the ability to remember and use information and skills acquired through a lifetime of

experiences, improves throughout middle adulthood.

In recent years, there has been an upswing of middle-aged adults returning to college,

usually for work-related reasons, and many of them do exceptionally well (Crandall, Crandall,

and Vander Zanden, 2006). Middle-aged adults also have a keener regard for others views and

to see gray areas, rather than to spurn others opinions or strictly delineate right from wrong

(Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006). Though reaction time begins to slow, which

could be due to mental and/or physical changes, personal experience and familiarity with a task

can help to make up for that (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006; Feldman, 2010;

Santrock, 2008). Creativity in middle adulthood is highly individual and varies depending upon

personality, environment, and level of intelligence to some extent, and there no obvious

declines nor increases of creativity that have been observed with age (Crandall, Crandall, and

Vander Zanden, 2006).

Social Development

Social relationships begin to change considerably in middle-age as children become

adults, parents become elderly, and frequently marriage and divorce, and then remarriage

occur. The “midlife crisis”, a stressful time of analysis and reassessing one’s life, may or may

not occur depending on personality and life events (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden,

2006; Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008). As these sources explain, some experts do not believe in

the existence of a midlife crisis at all, rather that this stage is simply another transitional period

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 7

that brings heightened awareness. Levinson believed that a midlife crisis is inevitable at some

point during a person’s mid-forties, when people begin to have a more accurate self-image and

reach for more realistic goals. However, according to Erikson, midlife is a time when people

begin to feel a need to pass on their wisdom, ideas, and values and act as mentors and guides

to the next generation, or, conversely, when stagnation occurs. Typical activities during leisure

time include watching television, participating in social engagements, and other activities

outside the home (Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008), and many people find fulfillment in the

extra time and energy that they have by volunteering in the community (Norsigian, 2005).

Stress is often highest during midlife, but can be mediated by family support and

effective coping strategies that foster health and well-being (Santrock, 2008). Most Individuals’

greatest concerns during this period depend upon their roles in life, such as parenting and

career. Typically there is a renewed commitment to one’s career at this stage in life and a rise

in job satisfaction, though higher paid professionals and those in the helping fields often

experience burnout (Crandall, Crandall, and Vander Zanden, 2006). In Helson’s Mills College

Studies, the healthiest adjustment was seen in women who were employed and married with

children because they were able to feel a sense of control, aptitude, and joy in life. Cultural and

social mores have a significant influence upon women’s roles and attitudes (Norsigian, 2005;

Santrock, 2008). Today there are more single middle aged people than has ever been seen

historically; some are content with that situation, while others are not (Feldman, 2010). For

those who are married, marital satisfaction tends to increase during middle adulthood in good

marriages, but decreases in unhappy marriages (Norsigian, 2005; Santrock, 2008). Divorce

rates are lower in midlife than in earlier adulthood, but midlife divorce is becoming more

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 8

common and can be particularly traumatic, especially for women (Feldman, 2010; Santrock,

2008). Second marriages in midlife are usually more mature, cautious, flexible, equitable, and

less idealistic, but are often more apt to divorce than first marriages (Feldman, 2010).

As children reach adulthood, middle-aged people must face the “empty nest” as their

offspring leave home, which can be a relief from the constant pressures of parenting, but also a

time of emptiness and remorse over not spending more time with them while they were

younger (Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008). However, parents tend to adjust and recover

relatively quickly, and greater opportunities for leisure and the ability to pursue personal

interests lead to greater life satisfaction (Feldman, 2010; Norsigian, 2005). Unfortunately,

added stress can occur when children return to the home after college or due to hardship such

as job loss, divorce, or illness (Feldman, 2010; Santrock, 2008).

Long-term friendships often deepen in midlife, as do relationships with siblings

(Santrock, 2008). Relationships with aging parents tend to grow stronger, as understanding and

appreciation for them as human beings grows. The “sandwich generation”, which is period of

caring for aging parents while simultaneously raising children, is becoming more common as

people are starting families later in life and living longer (Feldman, 2010; Norsigian, 2005;

Santrock, 2008). This situation can lead to strain on finances, marriage, energy, and well-being.

Grand-parenting typically begins in one’s late forties, bringing on a new role that can unfold in

various ways, such as either occasional or frequent casual visits, or more involved grand-

parenting that includes care, discipline, and supervision of grandchildren (Feldman, 2010;

Santrock, 2008). Occasionally, middle-aged adults find themselves raising their grandchildren

due to death, addiction, or unplanned pregnancy (Norsigian, 2005; Santrock, 2008). More

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 9

often, though, grand-parenting is rewarding, increases affection within a family, and gives a

renewed sense of purpose to life.

Spiritual Development

Spirituality in adulthood is a subject lacking study since developmental psychology is

scientifically basis and scientists consider spirituality to be myth or folklore, an illusory essence

of human nature that cannot be tangibly observed (Smith, 2014). Smith (2014) further explains

that theorists often view spirituality within a sociocultural context, for lack of a better way to

study it. Although in the past spiritual development has been paid little attention, according to

Smith there has been a recent resurgence of interest; however, it continues to have a feeble

following by the academic community, whereas physical, social, and cognitive development are

extensively researched and written about. There is no doubt, however, that a strong

commitment to religious tradition can influence personality and health (Smith, 2014).

The practice of spirituality is a much broader system of beliefs than religious practice

that includes compassion, love, and respect for life (Fitzpatrick, 2014). The insights that

spirituality brings can help people understand themselves and others better. Adults often find

peace, comfort, and deep satisfaction in expressing their spirituality through religious practice,

compassion, and service to others by conveying knowledge and other meaningful gifts to

younger generations (Fitzpatrick, 2014). As people age, Fitzpatrick (2014) explains that they

often turn away from superficiality and become more interested in finding meaning in their

lives. Reflecting upon life experiences and leaving a legacy in this way can serve as a healthy

strategy for helping people resolve past issues. Spirituality has been observed to increase

considerably during middle age and a large number of adults consider it an important part of

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 10

their lives, particularly women (Santrock, 2008). After facing major personal losses or mortality,

people often begin to contemplate the meaning of life and embark upon a spiritual quest

(Fitzpatrick, 2014; Santrock, 2008).

Consequently, as people mature they report more “mystical” experiences in their lives,

possibly due to the impact of major illnesses or other life-changing events (Fitzpatrick, 2014).

Fitzpatrick (2014) further emphasizes that spirituality and religion can be helpful coping

mechanisms during times of adversity. Through spirituality people can extend beyond the

physical to a state of “transcendence” that is believed to be achieved only through creativity,

religious beliefs, having children, communion with nature, and/or mystical experiences. As

people age and begin to contemplate and reflect, they often experience an expanded

consciousness with regard to quality of life, leading to greater contentment (Fitzpatrick, 2014).

Several benefits have been observed in those who consider themselves to be spiritual,

such as better coping skills, lowered blood pressure and tension, decreased depression,

increased competence and self-control, and lessened feelings of guilt and worry (Fitzpatrick,

2014; Santrock, 2008). Fitzpatrick (2014) further explains that studies have linked greater

health, happiness, and self-confidence to spirituality, although results vary among individuals.

Overall, people tend to become more in touch with their spirituality as they age, with women of

color being more spiritual than men of color and all Caucasians, although these findings vary

with the belief systems of certain individuals or cohorts (Fitzpatrick, 2014). In general,

Fitzpatrick (2014) explains that traditions become increasingly important to people as they age

and help to increase meaning in life, particularly to ethnic populations. Religious practices and

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 11

traditions offer a way to express spirituality in a socially supportive and secure way and connect

to one’s heritage, which can create a sense of belonging and meaning (Fitzpatrick, 2014).

Conclusion

Although there are certainly reasons for middle-aged adults to feel, as Khan (2005) puts

it, “anxiety and melancholy” about the changes that they are experiencing in life and wonder

“Is this all there is?” regarding the emptiness or dissatisfaction that they may feel, they also

have many reasons to celebrate and be thankful. Middle adulthood often brings newfound

freedom and confidence, allowing for opportunities to reassess values, relationships, self-

image, and lifestyle, which can lead to personal growth and insight (Norsigian, 2005). Middle-

age is not the death sentence that some people make it out to be. On the contrary, Khan

(2014) asserts that cultivating a more positive outlook by finding to the brighter side of life,

practicing gratitude, striving to be the best that one can be, and nurturing one’s spirit can make

an enormous difference in how people experience the middle years. By participating in

enjoyable forms of physical activity, eating delicious wholesome foods, spending time with

loved ones, practicing meditation or other forms of relaxation, pursuing stimulating learning

experiences, and following their hearts, many people who have entered middle adulthood can

continue to feel and look amazing and enjoy vigorous health for many years to come.

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References

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