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.
MIDDLE ADULTHOOD 12
References
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