Midlife is referred to by many writers and theorists as middle adulthood, middlescent, middle age, sandwich generation, autumn years, transition age, and middle zone. Berger stated that this development stage occurs between the ages of 35 and 64. It is a time when adults feel healthier, smarter, and more pleased with themselves and their lives during these three decades than they ever did (Berger, 2005). In fact the first astronauts to work with space programs were middle aged scientists between the ages 38 to 45. It was believed that at that stage, they were mentally alert, physically sound, and emotionally stable.
The philosopher Aristotle wrote about midlife (about 50) as the ideal age, the time in life when one is most balanced between the excesses of youth and age. Aristotle called this equilibrium the “golden mean” of life.
Berger described three major aspects of development in middle adulthood: Biosocial, Cognitive, and Psychosocial. Physical changes start to show at this stage especially skin, body shape, hair, and visual acuity. These changes pose challenges in the middle age adults and are usually well compensated. The sexual and reproductive system takes a turn on this stage between late 40’s and 50’s when women experience hormonal changes and menopause sets in. Some intellectual abilities improve with age while others decline (Berger, 2005). According to Berger, each adult become expert at tasks that were once difficult and mysterious. Though, work can be a source of stress and status in the middle age.
Berger said that middle age is characterized by more stability than change in personality. He further discussed that the big five traits: neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness remain stable in middle adulthood, although people tend to become less neurotic and more open.
Family relationships in middle age are more complex. As Freiberg mentioned, these middle age people are often sandwiched between two generations – the aging parents and their adult children. On the contrary, Berger said that middle aged are neither squeezed nor sandwiched but instead are the link that keeps the family connected. Middle age is also between the years of parenthood, personal and career development, and retirement and old age.
Another interesting characteristic of middle age according to Berger is the loosening up of gender restrictions. Sexes become more similar as men and women explore feelings reserved for the other sex which leads to “gender convergence” or even “gender crossover” which is an actual switching of roles.
Some studies support Erik Erikson’s view of increasing generativity during the middle years wherein the middle aged are more involved as coaches, mentors, advisors, teachers, and preachers. Daniel Levinson’s theory suggests that adults experience alternating periods of relative stability and crisis or change (Feldman, 2003).
