Hello Middlessence, Good-bye Midlife Crisis

Whether the term used is “middle-essence”, “midlife”, “midcourse” or for those who prefer the French, “troiseme age” (third age), the longevity revolution has changed both the perception and actuality of when middle-age begins and ends. Few people in their 50s and 60s label themselves as “old”, favoring a description of being in their “prime” and feeling that their “best years” are actually yet to come.

The maxim of the 1960s may have been, “Never trust anyone over 30”, but baby boomers have revised that mantra to, “Never trust anyone over 90!” Just as those born after 1945 changed the landscape on every societal front in their heyday, they continue to be trend-setters in their second half of life:

• Compared to adults 18-39, middle-lifers describe themselves as feeling freer, more accomplished and successful.

• Studies have shown that those in their 50s to be more satisfied, stable, and, yes, happier than their younger counterparts.

• Interestingly, the “Me” generation accounts for the greatest number of individuals who do volunteer work.

• Being part of the “Sandwich Generation”- learning to balance the emotional, physical and financial challenges and obligations for aging parents, while at the same time responsible for children finishing school (or who are young adults not quite on their own).

• Just as multiple careers have become an accepted norm, phased-in or non-retirements and flexible work hours are becoming more common-due to choice, low savings rates, high divorce rates (accompanied by huge financial implications), and longer life expectancy, many of those in life’s midcourse choose to, or will have to have, a greater number of productive work years.

• Emphasis on looking good, eating well, exercising, pursuing things they are passionate about and enjoying what life has to offer have become de rigueur for middle-essencers.

• Feeling great and fueled by expectations to stretch out their mid-life years as long as they did their adolescence, a huge market has been created for cosmetic surgery, beauty and rejuvenation products, anti-aging drugs and nutraceuticals (foods and/or herbal or botanical extracts with medicinal and health benefits).

• Travelling on a frequent basis, and taking unusual vacations, often to exotic locales, has become a continuing rite of passage for both pre and post retirees.

• More available time to put emphasis on family and friends-made even easier by email, cell phones, etc.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!