Around the age of 50, people often make a review of their life, an existential stocktaking, an inner reflection on their achievements and what still needs to be done. It can be compared to a football match, which lasts 90 minutes divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. At the end of the first half, if we are winning, we have played well, we feel satisfied with our strategy and tactics, everything seems to be going in the right direction. But if at this point we are losing or unhappy with our performance, it is time to take action.
This introspection leads us to review the important aspects of our life, assessing how we want to face the years ahead. How strange life is, so long and yet so short at the same time! In youth, the horizon is full of possibilities and dreams to be fulfilled; as the years go by, those possibilities become realities.
One day, you look in the mirror and see a different reflection, one that is no longer that of your 20s or 30s, but one that suddenly puts you in your 50s, ‘without knowing why’, as Antonio Vega’s song says. Each person manages this change in their own way, but understanding it is essential to manage it and create a healthy routine of self-acceptance.
The mid-life crisis is a term that describes the transitional period that many people experience in modern societies, surrounded by routines and expectations that seem immovable. Physical, emotional and social changes can generate feelings of restlessness, anxiety or confusion, leading us to look for ways to feel younger, more attractive or anxious not to miss out on what we may consider to be our last opportunities.
An Exercise in Self-Acceptance
If we look at it from a psychological point of view, this crisis is seen as an opportunity for introspection and reflection, with many associated benefits. It is a vital time to question choices, evaluate goals and dreams, and consider whether we have achieved what we desired.
This stage is often linked to the loss of loved ones, physiological changes such as andropause or menopause, empty nest syndrome, or living with the adolescence of children due to delayed childbearing. Early retirement, emerging health problems and other rapid changes that leave no time to adapt can also play a role. This period is crucial to take time for yourself, to become aware of these new challenges and to evolve.
Facing the Changes in your Life
Facing this new stage with new goals and illusions is fundamental. What would you like to do that you have always wanted to do, but have never been able to? Learning something new keeps the mind active, offers new motivations and provides a great sense of pride and satisfaction.
Fostering and nurturing new social relationships is also vital for mental health. Having someone to share good times with and receive support in difficult times makes a big difference. This is an ideal time to incorporate new healthy eating and lifestyle habits, with great benefits for wellbeing.
Therapy with Friends: A Valuable Tool
Therapy is an excellent tool for managing these times of transition, helping us to be more aware and better able to manage the changes. Spending time with yourself can lead to renewed meaning, new purpose and emotional well-being.
This is a good time to reclaim your best self, restart stagnant aspects of your life, whether in relationships or health. Spending time outdoors, reconnecting with friends, taking up hobbies or joining new activities are some of the many possibilities.
Mens Sana in Corpore Sano
As a dietitian-nutritionist, my approach in these crises focuses on helping people to understand and accept the changes, identify nutritional needs and avoid potential health problems. This accompaniment has a powerful healing function, offering an opportunity to reflect and lighten the burden of life.
Remember that this stage can be the beginning of a full and enriching life, where every choice adds up to your best self.
Sense of Humour
Ah, the 50s, that decade where mirrors become your best friends to remind you of the accumulated years. As we age, a sense of humour becomes an indispensable ally. Laugh every chance you get, even if it’s at the expense of your own ailments – forgot your keys? Perfect, it’s just another excuse to get some extra exercise!
Laugh at the little daily hiccups, find the comedy in routines and don’t take life too seriously. Laughter is the best remedy for the soul and an excellent exercise for the heart.
Ageism and the Superpower of Invisibility
In many cultures, especially modern ones, ageism particularly affects women, who feel that as they age, they are no longer visible in society. This feeling of invisibility can be very challenging, but it also hides a superpower: by becoming ‘invisible’, women can free themselves from many social norms that used to limit them.
By being less observed by conventional social standards, this invisibility allows for renewed freedom. They can do what they want, speak their minds and act according to their desires without feeling restricted by external expectations. It is a time to feel authenticity, explore new passions and live fully.
While we may not stop claiming our place in society, turning things around and harnessing the superpower of invisibility can open doors to new possibilities such as venturing into forgotten projects, even expressing opinions with courage. The external ‘lack of attention’ can be a liberation, a call to be bold and to claim your space in the world in creative and vibrant ways. The 50s can be the beginning of a new phase full of possibilities and freedom.
