Families at Mid-Life Flashcards
(28 cards)
MidLife Crisis-Myth or Real?
Having a crisis is not normative, but having a period of transition and self reflection is. Involves getting over getting older. -Identity crisis if there was foreclosure in adolescence.
Symptoms of Mid life crisis?
Symptoms include: anxiety, depression, dis-ease, dissatisfaction, disillusionment, insomnia, depletion,
Generally people report (at mid life)
Feelings of well-being and greater satisfaction, sense of self control over many parts of life.
Men vs. Women
gender cross over-women become more assertive and man more giving and expressive.
Physical Aging: “The little death”
Shifts in physical and mental agility: memory, reflexes, energy level, speed.
Body changes: metabolism, muscle mass, skin elasticity, hair loss/growth/graying, sensory loss, bladder control, loss of bone density,
Ageism
Stronger for women
Menopause
- cultural stereotype of raving maniac
- perimenopausal symptoms start 10 years earlier and may be more severe.
- risk of heart disease, hot flashes, loss of lubrication, insomnia, thinning hair, loss of libido, fuzzy thinking, osteoporosis.
- more than half of women report no symptoms and even post menopausal zest.
Viropause or Andropause
- Testosterone level drops in midlife
- causes physical changes: erections can take longer to achieve, be less firm, take more stimulation. Orgasms can be harder to achieve and less forceful. Prostrates can be enlarged, testicles shrink, sac drops.
- physiological consequences due to socialization: to be competitive and always ready for sex can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Emotional development at midlife
- age of mastery
- increase in wisdom, judiciousness, compassion, depth of perspective, complexity, mad intuition
- feeling responsible
The Mid-life identity crisis
- internal push to become whole
- own and acknowledge shadow parts of self
- further individuation and authenticity through development of real self
- frightening process because it can involve letting go of who we once new ourselves to be.
For women
Growth in master, identity, and voice
- adoption of feminist identity and higher educational levels are associated with midlife well-being
- women who experienced traditional role regrets but do not make changes at midlife show higher rates of depression.
For men
More apt to struggle on their own
- Can come to a new appreciation of intimacy and connection.
- confront cultural constraints of masculinity
- increasing comfort with emotion
- reconnect with family, friends and community
- take mentoring roles
Disillusionment/Life Reanalysis
- financial stability for the future is a looming reality.
- external markers of competence become less available and less satisfying.
- mourning lost opportunities and life choices
- reappraisal of current life priorities
- search fir meaning.
New life structures
- making this time a quest NOT a crisis
- focus in understanding feelings and knowing what you want before you act.
- focus on coming into ones own and living an authentic life.
SES and Cultural Issues
- feeling of having made a contribution does not depend on SES
- economic concerns can take precedence over internal concerns
- physical health can overshadow other issues.
Process Assignments
- Patience-this can take time
- mindfulness: loss your mind and come to your senses
- avoid numbing activities
- take some solitude when you can
- practice listening
- men:talk to other men
- think, write, be creative
- stay active, exercise and care for your body
- break ruts and do something different
- confront your fears
- cherish your relationships and contribute to your community.
Parent Relationships at mid-life
- Shift in roles as child becomes the caretaker
- forgiveness and resolution of old conflicts
- further opportunities for differentiation
- get to know your parents as people and gather info
Sibling and extended family relationships at mid-life.
- Opportunities to resolve old issues
- roles can change
- reconnection can feel more important.
Couplehood
- lack of positive models for older adult love.
- as couples launch children they may face an increase of intimacy/connection OR problems with disconnection.
- traditional women may deal with pushed down anger and resentment or push for a more egalitarian marriage.
- differentiation remains key
Uncoupled persons
- May deal with feeling of stigma about what is wrong with me
- solidifying social support networks: how do you meet your needs for intimacy?
- dating: May be a better partner but may be more picky about mate selection.
- Internet dating expands opportunity
Children
Last chance children are now possible with advances in fertility meds
- dealing with regrets: accepting and owning mistakes and self-forgiveness
- differentiation of children and loss of structure of parenthood.
Launching and Young adulthood
-increasing numbers of young adults do not feel responsible for self in 20s.
Many return home due to economic issues.
-loss of innocence: the narrative you create for how things worked out.
Cohort specificity
-the historical moments that shape a generation.
Problems at young adulthood.
- anxiety about choices without the structure of school
- increased sense of persons, responsibility without as many rewards.
- problems are not taken seriously by others.
- symptoms: depression, anxiety, self doubt, procrastination, escaping into avoiding/numbing activities
