Middle age refers to an arbitrary period in a person’s life between early adulthood and old age. In industrial societies, such as the United States and Canada, this period now usually extends from about the age of 40 to 65. However, there is no noticeable change in physical or behavioral functioning at either of these ages. The range of middle age may vary in different societies. For example, in nonindustrialized countries, people may be considered old by the age of 40.
In Western industrial societies, middle age is often characterized by an inclination to “settle down.” Middle-aged people accept obligations and responsibilities, and work harder to develop a consistent pattern of relationships. They tend to place increasing value on their family life and friendships, even if they have successful careers. Many people may feel closer to their own elderly parents, having achieved a deeper understanding of what the older generation went through. Parents often become more open and respectful with their children.
Researchers believe that some middle-aged people may not enjoy this part of life because they fear old age and value youth too much. However, studies of people moving from youth through middle age have found many sources of satisfaction. Some middle-aged people feel that they still have the physical vigor to carry out their plans and responsibilities. Often life satisfaction is enhanced by the skills and experiences acquired over the years. As a result, problems in middle age can often be handled before they become crises.
Each new group of people that enters middle age comes along at a particular point in social history with unique values, pressures, and opportunities. For example, characteristics of middle-aged people today include a greater number of women in the labor force than ever before, a greater emphasis on physical fitness, and a higher divorce rate. Middle-aged people today also face new challenges. These challenges include (1) major changes in the workplace due to technological innovation, automation, and digital communication and (2) ageism (unequal treatment of people because of their age) and outdated social norms that isolate and marginalize older adults in rural and urban communities Thus, middle age is far from a quiet, uneventful period of life. But many middle-aged people benefit from their broad life experience and well-developed skills. Many are also enrolling in college and finding other opportunities to make the most of their potential as vital, creative people.
