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Middle Adulthood

Definition

Middle adulthood is a stage of life between young adulthood and old age, usually from about 40 to 65 years old. It's characterized by stability in work and relationships, but also a time of reassessment and potential crisis.

Analogy

Think of middle adulthood as being the captain of a ship. You've navigated through storms (early challenges), you're experienced and confident in your role, but there are still new territories to explore (mid-life changes) before reaching your final destination (old age).

Related terms

Mid-Life Crisis: A period of emotional turmoil in middle age characterized by a strong desire for change.

Empty Nest Syndrome: Feelings of sadness or loss when all children have left home and the parents are left alone.

Menopause/Andropause: The time in most women's lives when menstrual periods stop permanently (menopause), and the decrease in male hormones during middle-age (andropause).