Marriage Tips - The Mid-Life Crisis Myth

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

07 Aug 2006 09:30 AM

Is it possible that the mid-life crisis is a myth? There are plenty of pop-culture references to the mid-life crisis that may drive a man out of his marriage and into choices such as an affair with a much younger woman, dressing younger, behaving irresponsibly and of course, driving the sports car. However, the MacArthur Foundation completed a ten-year study that indicates the mid-life crisis may be a myth because living longer has given us more longevity in the varying stages of our lives and mid-life is one of the best places in life to be. Their study concluded that:

• More than 70% of the surveyed individuals in mid-life described their health as excellent and expected it to stay that way
• More than 50% of women and men surveyed in the 40 to 60 year old age range reported that their lives were remarkably better than they had been 10 years ago
• Men and women in middle-age find themselves less worried and nervous than their younger counterparts and they enjoy the challenges and rewards of their lives
• 62% of women who had gone through menopause reported that it was no where near as bad as they expected and they were delighted to be done with their periods
• Most mid life individuals and couples reported that they felt confident in their control over financial situations and their life/career choices

This information may change the perceptions of married couples who expect to face a mid-life crisis or challenge. While this does not prevent individuals from experiencing a crisis of faith in themselves and their life choices - the achievement of middle age does not ultimately mean they have to either.

How has mid-life improved your life perceptions?

Related Articles:

Marital Tips: Yourself and Taking Care of You

Relationship Dynamics: 5 Tips on Compromise

Don't Compete With Your Spouse

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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