Chapter 8
affect—outward display of emotion—
continues to increase during the middle
years, which may be because middle
adults tend to be heavily engaged in work
and relationships. This level of
engagement may actually contribute to
lower levels of distress and higher levels
of positive well-being and fulfillment
than in either the younger or the older
person.
Another possibility is related to
generativity. In midlife, many people
blossom into more mature, integrated
beings with a desire to leave a generative
gift to the world (Mroczek, 2004). The
middle years present a time to evaluate
our spiritual lives, leading to a spiritual
maturity which is uncommon in earlier
stages of adulthood. Once their children
are raised and they have acquired some
financial security for their older years, it
is not uncommon for individuals or
couples in their later middle years to
make decisions and life changes involving
some type of part- or full-time ministry.
The Later Years
American society as a whole is afraid
of aging.Advertisers, TV shows, and the
media often play to this fear by
portraying a stereotypical image of older
people.Very few of these portrayals
provide positive images of a healthy later
life adjustment and can actually be
detrimental to older adults psychological
and cognitive functioning (Ory et al.,
2003). Take a moment to think about
what images“old age”generates for you.
Chances are your overall assessment is
rather pessimistic. Many myths about old
age contribute to this pessimistic view.
Listed below are some myths about aging
captured in time-worn sayings:
Commitment in the later years involves balancing
the satisfaction achieved in life with the
inevitable losses to come.
ImagefromBigstockPhoto.com/DNF-style
- To be old is to be sick.
- You can’t teach an old dog new
tricks. - Why change my behavior now if I
have done it all my life? - Old people do not pull their weight.