Life StagesWe have different needs and experiences in each decade of life.
Late Adolescence Ages 16 - 20Leaving homeSearching for one’s
identityFinding a job/careerDeveloping a life
philosophyAttempts at intimacy
with others.
The TwentiesMoving out or staying
home.Getting marriedChoosing college or
workingChoosing a career is
meaningful or lucrativeLoneliness occurs
between relationships
The ThirtiesA questioning of
commitments to marriage, career and relationships occur.
Buying a homeChoosing to have
childrenMen and women feel
restricted because of the extra responsibilities
Parenting children
The FortiesMidlife crisis – a feeling
that something is missing in life and the questioning of past decisions around marriage and career occur.
Seeking more stimulation and working on becoming healthier, deeper, and freer occur.
Time is slipping away.
Coping with a Midlife CrisisEvents that trigger a midlife crisis.
Solutions to a Midlife Crisis
Realizing your youthful dreams will never come about.
A spouse has an affair.Loss of youthful physical
qualitiesWomen confronted with
menopauseVictim of age discrimination
in the workplace.The empty nest syndrome
Go back to school and start a new career
Look inward to get answers on creating a new life.
Develop new talents and hobbies.
Take more risks in life to help express your true self; be open to expressing yourself through art, writing, music, poetry, etc.
The FiftiesAdjusting to caring for
their parents.The peak of status and
power in the workplace.Reflecting on how to use
one’s time.May feel boredom,
meaninglessness and depression if new challenges aren’t sought.
Preparing for retirement.
The Sixties and Late AdulthoodIncrease interest in social
and civic activities.Decreased physical abilities.Enjoying grandchildren.Coping with a death of a
spouse or parents.Loneliness and uselessness
occur unless they can find a way to give back their wise knowledge and experiences to family or the community.