We have different needs and experiences in each decade of life.

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.