+1 |
My 50s were my best decade, ever. Life is settled in some ways and you have a stronger platform to build from. You know who you are and who your friends are. With any luck, you're more established in your career and doing good work. You've learned to want what you have a little more. And as others have noted, you get real about what you're supposed to look like at this age. When I see 20- and 30-somethings out in full battle gear, I just think - all that hair straightening! It looks like a lot of work. |
| So when does middle age end? Asks the 52-year-old. |
It seems to me, middle age ends when the focus goes from living life to survival/staying healthy. It varies from person to person. Young: you (feel like you) can do anything with minimal consequences Middle ages: You worry about the consequences; you can do things, but will have to deal with things. (i.e., I am going to be sore tomorrow). Old: You can't do things because of the consequences... |
| I think middle age begins when you become an empty nester. 45? 50? 55? That is the point when you have completed the major part of child rearing and turn to your spouse and say "what's next"? A whole new phase of life begins. |
I gain a lot of perspective out here, that's why. |
| When you are able to envision your life after your kids leave for college |
| I have just started to feel middle aged now. I'm 49. |
I will be an emptynester around 59. However I think I still won't feel like its a new phase of life until DD is out of college around 62. Then I can even contemplate retirement!! |
| 45 -65 is middle age according to the US government. |
Oh good, I won't hit middle age until I'm 61. I hoped having kids late would keep me young! |
|
0-25 young age
25-75 middle age 75+ old age |
| I am 49 and if say 47 just felt it. My Grandmom is 95 so one can hope |
| 50 is the youth of old age. I like that |
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If you had called me middle aged at 40 I would have been a bit sad but I would have accepted it. At 47 I think it is perfectly appropriate to call me middle aged, in fact I call myself that and roll my eyes when my 51 yo husband balks at it.
It's like art or wealth- to a certain extent in the eye of the beholder. |