We have different needs and
experiences in each decade of
life.
Late Adolescence Ages 16 - 20
Leaving home
Searching for one’s
identity
Finding a job/career
Developing a life
philosophy
Attempts at intimacy
with others.
The Twenties
Moving out or staying
home.
Getting married
Choosing college or
working
Choosing a career is
meaningful or lucrative
Loneliness occurs
between relationships
The Thirties
A questioning of
commitments to
marriage, career and
relationships occur.
Buying a home
Choosing to have
children
Men and women feel
restricted because of
the extra responsibilities
Parenting children
The Forties
Midlife 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 Crisis
Events that trigger a
midlife crisis.
Realizing your youthful
dreams will never come
about.
A spouse has an affair.
Loss of youthful physical
qualities
Women confronted with
menopause
Victim of age discrimination
in the workplace.
The empty nest syndrome
Solutions to a Midlife Crisis
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 Fifties
Adjusting 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 Adulthood
Increase 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.
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