It's Just Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Comments for a Cause
  • Tea and Teapots
  • Books
  • Travel
  • Writing
  • Recipes
  • Products
January 9, 2012

Middle Age —-Good or Bad?

21 Comments/ 2317/ 0

I happened upon an article in the New York Times this morning during my leisurely stroll through the internet.  The article written by Patricia Cohen entitled Get a Midlife, made me stop and think about how “I” view midlife now that I am in the throes of it.  How did I get here?  Why it seems like just yesterday I was taking kids to football and basketball practice, swimming lessons and music lessons.  But in reality that was a while ago.  I think my memory is being affected.

The article suggests that with middle age we emphasize the losses that come with middle age rather than the positive gains that might occur.  You know–the disappearing waistline, decreased energy, saggy skin, achey joints, the list goes on and on and on.  Some of the new research is focusing on the other end of the spectrum.  It fits well with my glass half full mentality that I live by.  I would prefer to look at this subject this way.

To identify the things that contribute to feeling fulfilled and purposeful, Carol Ryff, the director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, developed a list of questions to measure well-being and divided them into six broad categories: personal growth (having new experiences that challenge how you think about yourself); autonomy (having confidence in your opinions even if they are contrary to the general consensus); supportive social relationships; self-regard (liking most aspects of your personality); control of your life and a sense of purpose.

So what did they find??? What I have found to be true in my own life. That those who are in the middle part of their life are truly more happy and content with life.  Maybe it is because we have “figured it out” a bit more than we had when we were younger.  Maybe the worries and stresses are less prevalent.  Perhaps it is because we have more developed social networks and support systems that allow us to handle things a bit better when life gets thrown at us.

The areas that were highlighted in this article as being better at 50 included sex (blush blush), judgment, creative abilities and the fact that there is actually more time to live out their dreams and aspirations than previous generations had.

So I have been thinking since reading this article—am I happy with being 50+?   A resounding YES! Though I can no longer practice my ninja skills due to creaky knees, can most likely not fit into that wedding dress I found last week that I wore almost 30 years ago or will be able to keep up with most 20 year olds in a walking/running exercise I am happy and content.  I have more maturity (ha!) and wisdom that is gained from life experiences.  I have a close relationship with our sons that is far different than it was when I was younger.  I have been allowed to explore the creative side of me and enjoy that to the fullest. So yes—I am happy and content with middle age.   I do not want to go back.  Well….maybe I would like to go back to being able to eat anything I wanted with no consequences but hey—I can get that part under control with a little bit of that middle age wisdom and self control, right?

The author of the article, Patricia Cohen concludes by writing:

So, 50 is 50. Be thankful for it.

Share:
Tags:
middle age health midlife midlife challenges and joys New York Times Patricia Cohen social relationships
← Previous Is It Still Christmas?
Next → Teapot Tuesday

Related Articles

  • A Firm Foundation

  • You Are An Original

  • Long Days

  • Ninety Two

  • More of What I Am Loving Now

21 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. TBM
    January 09, 2012 at 08:01 am

    It is nice to read something positive about getting older. My grandmother used to say that getting old isn’t for sissies. I found this funny. But as I get older I understand what she meant. I have more aches and pains and there are losses that you suffer. However, my grandmother would be the first to admit that life does get better. More memories to cherish and I’m finding less stress since I am over adding unneeded stress to my life. And I’ve learned to appreciate things in life more. I’m looking forward to my 50s and the experiences they will bring.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 09, 2012 at 08:05 am

      I am not a fan of the aches and pains and not moving as well as I used to but I know I can do something to help out with that a bit—lose about 15 pounds!!!! But it is a time of less stress and accepting that things will happen regardless of how much I worry about them. With age comes wisdom??? Maybe! Thanks for the comments!!!

      Reply
  2. Ann in the UP
    January 09, 2012 at 08:12 am

    Well said indeed. There are great benefits to the lessons we have learned while our kids were growing up.

    I especially enjoy the fact that my children can now be my friends as well. Plus I love the time to be able to learn new things and conquer new projects—and I’ve got a few years on fifty. It’s all good and I’m grateful for it!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 09, 2012 at 08:43 am

      I totally agree with you, Ann. I love that our relationship with our boys has changed into one of friendship and respect and I am truly amazed by them. They have grown up to be incredible young men despite our bumblings!!!! Love does make a difference!

      Reply
  3. McGuffyAnn
    January 09, 2012 at 08:37 am

    I really enjoyed this post. I’m right there with you!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 09, 2012 at 08:44 am

      I think that most people that I know that are 50 + agree. Not so thrilled with the aches and pains but still overall—happy and content with their lot in life after 50. That is a good place to be.

      Reply
  4. Susi
    January 09, 2012 at 08:50 am

    I can’t relate, yet. But hope when I’m there that I will look at myself and be positive about it… I always say.”Things can only get better.”

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 09, 2012 at 07:15 pm

      You are a spring chicken compared to me but I love your philosophy–Things can only get better is a great way to look at life!

      Reply
  5. kim
    January 09, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Love this post. I am in my early 40’s but my husband is 51, and we are more content than ever…but apprehensive about what older age may bring. I noticed you were following my blog – thanks!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 09, 2012 at 11:13 am

      Kim–it creeps up before you know!!! Glad to hear that another person out there is content—apprehensive is probably a great way to be!!! Who knows what tomorrow will bring???? 🙂

      Reply
  6. Brenda
    January 09, 2012 at 11:53 am

    I had to laugh when I read this….
    I keep hearing that 50 is the new 30 — I totally disagree with that!
    I hated being 30 – it was really tough and I am about to be 52 – I have no problem being the age I am. I have a great relationship with my kids – I don’t have to worry about a lot of things I did when I was younger – there are new worries! But so what!
    I taught my kids there are big deals and little deals – and right now there are no big deals that I can think of!
    Great post!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 09, 2012 at 07:17 pm

      Brenda, I know –it makes me laugh too when I hear that 50 is the new 30. While I liked my 30’s I think my life is a lot less stressful now! And finding out that we are the same age (I turn 52 in April) makes me happy!!! Big deals and little deals—great way of thinking of things that crop up. I find that the big deals turn out to be not so big usually!!! Thanks for the comments!

      Reply
  7. Helen Brown
    January 09, 2012 at 08:40 pm

    Well, I am 82 and have arthritis but am thankful that I can still do walking, yoga and step class. It isn’t all bad. I had a real lift today when my yoga teacher told me I did better in balancing than she does. That gives me hope and gives me a reason to keep active. My advice, keep busy but not too busy, enjoy life as much as possible and thank God every day for His presence.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 10, 2012 at 07:08 am

      I am trying to follow your advice!!! I want to be as active as you are when I am 82!!!

      Reply
  8. pattisj
    January 10, 2012 at 12:18 am

    Ha! I remember when I thought 30 was OLD! Who knew there was life after that? I love how active your mom is, Beth Ann. Good for you, Helen Brown!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 10, 2012 at 07:10 am

      Patti, Totally remember thinking that, too! It all becomes relative, doesn’t it??? And I hope that I am as active as my amazing mom! I have to schedule appointments with her just to see her she is so busy! What a great way to be!!!

      Reply
  9. CMSmith
    January 11, 2012 at 07:18 pm

    Good points and just what I needed to hear. What I want to know is, just how far down that line of profiles are we at midlife?

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 12, 2012 at 06:25 am

      Great question, Christine!!!! I see you are working through your Google reader!!! 🙂 I probably have 1000’s in mine—I just need to clear it all out and start over. AGain.

      Reply
      1. CMSmith
        January 12, 2012 at 08:05 am

        Once you fall behind it’s murder trying to catch back up. I’m still trying. I thought I would be in better shape by now. With Mark’s upcoming surgery, I may not be caught up until spring, but then I’ll be working outside, so maybe not. Probably by summer, unless we have a big family party here again with the kids. Maybe in the fall. . .

        Reply
  10. mysweetassets
    January 13, 2012 at 05:02 pm

    It’s good list, feels right to me.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      January 14, 2012 at 07:26 am

      Thank you!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

  • Subscribe To Rss Feed
  • 2,256 Followers
  • 2,272 Fans
  • Followers
  • Subscribers
  • Subscribers
  • Follow It's Just Life

Comments For A Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Weirdo Style

  • Ringing in 2023 with Comments for a Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Conservation at Work

  • Comments for a Cause – A Hand Up. Not a Hand Out

  • Comments for a Cause- Operation KeepSafe® 

  • Comments for a Cause – September 2022

  • Comments for a Cause – More Literacy, Please!

  • Comments for a Cause – July 2022 Edition

  • Comments for a Cause- Giving to Uvalde

  • It’s May – Time for Comments for a Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Reece’s Rainbow

  • Comments for a Cause – Help for Ukraine

  • Powering Up with Comments for a Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Cats, Cats, and More Cats

  • Comments for a Cause – Alzheimer’s Association

Check Out My Past Posts

February 2023
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728  
« Jan    

Text

Follow

Pinterest

Visit Beth Ann's profile on Pinterest.

Beth's bookshelf: read

The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users
5 of 5 stars
The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users
by Guy Kawasaki
As always Guy Kawasaki has a great book with great information about all things social media. I highlighted tons of places in this book and it is definitely one that I will come back to time and time again to help me in all of the socia...
Old Girls in Low Cotton
3 of 5 stars
Old Girls in Low Cotton
by Helen Childress
This short book was one that looked like it would be a fun read. I honestly did not enjoy it all that much---it was a lot of characters bickering and while some of the writing was witty and funny it was not that kind of book that made m...
The Good Girl
5 of 5 stars
The Good Girl
by Mary Kubica
I loved this book! It had my interest from the very first page and was my "airplane" book on a recent trip. Author Mary Kubica created believable and interesting characters that the reader learned to identify with and care about. Mi...
All the Light We Cannot See
4 of 5 stars
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
This is quite a book! I had it recommended to me by several people and while I thought it might be a little dark and depressing it made me have a better understanding of what life in this time period was like. The strength of the huma...
An Abundance of Katherines
5 of 5 stars
An Abundance of Katherines
by John Green
Another great book by John Green. I have become a huge fan of John Green since my reading of A Fault in our Stars and this book was another that did not disappoint me at all. It was a story of a child prodigy, a lot of anagrams, and a b...

goodreads.com

Professional Reader
Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2015 It's Just Life, All Rights Reserved.

  • Media Kit, Advertising and Disclosure
 

Loading Comments...