We have grown up hearing about people having a mid-life crisis, but really what are they? It is something I’ve been thinking about a lot in the last few years.
The Mid-Life Crisis
It is something I’ve thought about and I have wondered is it real? Do people really have that kind of crisis in their life?
The first thing is the concept of what is mid-life. It usually refers to people who have turned 40, but these days they are still considered young. Well, I think they are. Maybe that is because I don’t want to think that I am old just because I’m in my fifties. Early 50’s really, though it doesn’t really matter.
If you ask me the new age for us mid-lifers is 50. It isn’t that unreasonable to think that. There is no reason not to think that many of us will live to see 100, or close to. You just never know. My grandmother died at 96, a good innings.
So let’s just state it right now, the new age for mid-life is 50. You got that, 50. Don’t argue with me. Just celebrate it with me. We are all mid-lifers.
What is a mid-life crisis?
Who bloody knows. Really. I have started to think it is just crap really. Perhaps the real reason for people doing things when they get to that age is because they now have the money to do it. For most of us our kids have grown up and no longer financially dependent, so we have spare cash. We have the cash to do the stuff we have wanted to do for a long time.
Perhaps there is some concept of accepting that we are no longer young. A bit like that post last week. There are limitations, and recognising that there are things in life that we will never do because of our age. Now that sucks, it really does.
I don’t mean everything, but seriously, we aren’t going to be Olympic athletes anymore. Yes, I know, I was never going to be one, but now it really never can happen.
That is what it is meant to be, like a last ditch effort to keep our youth. That is what we are led to believe it is.
What is meant to happen
Okay, so I am not going to go out and buy a Harley Davidson. Really, I’m not interested in that. However, I have got a great camera, though not necessarily the one I want now, but will do. The thing I have been allowed to do is travel more.
My kids are no longer a problem for me and it is time for me to get my life back. To stop being a mother, well a full time mum. If I want to go away for a few weeks, that if fine. It isn’t a burden on anyone now.
What really happens
Nothing really. We just start enjoying our life because the future is different for us than it was when we were young adults. We aren’t as concerned about owning a house, getting married or having children. It is about enjoying what is left of our lives. Hoping the grim reaper doesn’t come too soon.
Too realistic?
Well, there is that. It is about fitting as much into our lives as possible.
It is interesting to see how many people take up photography at this time as well. When you see people doing workshops to learn photography it is astronomical how many people are middle-aged or older.
It is the fastest growing demographic for photography. Yet, how many of us feel as though companies don’t care about us?
At the end of the day
So how many of you feel that way? Are we considered at all when companies are designing gear or what will help us take photos? Do they think about bad knees, arthritic fingers etc?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Photos today
Today the photos are all bridges. I think bridges are great. They are a way to gain access, to cross difficulties or just to get somewhere else.
At 68, I’m at a point where I try to enjoy each day. I’ve had great career in healthcare but have scaled back the hours I work which leaves more time for my expensive hobby ( photography). I think we all go through rough patches in our life but hopefully we can get through them a little wiser!! I’m enjoying this series Leann
I think enjoying everyday is really important. Good to hear you are able to spend more time with your “expensive” hobby Nora, I have to agree, it is rather expensive. Thank you Nora, I’m enjoying doing these, and have more planned.
Take out the word crisis and I get what they’re talking about. I’ve had a midlife realignment. I went back to university to complete my undergraduate degree. Started writing courses. Tried a couple contracts in jobs I’d never considered. Made me and my health a priority. Realigned.
I like that term, midlife realignment, it is perfect Paula. Sounds like it was a great thing. I think I am in the middle of doing something like that too. Realising that I should be doing what I want for me, to stop worrying about others. Thank you for sharing your experience Paula, good luck with the writing.
Thankfully I avoided crisis!
That is great to hear Lulu. Thank you.
When I think back, the 50s are the best decade. You’re much wiser and experienced, and you still have your health. The 60s are okay too, but not just as good. However, the 70s are not so good. Your body starts showing aging signs, and you can’t do what you used to. I’m fighting that now. It’s not fun! But, you’ve got to keep your sense of humor. It keeps you going.
I love your bridge pictures, Leanne. Some are so full of color and life.
I am enjoying my 50’s, I am finding that I care less about what others think, that I need to just do what I want. I feel more confident. I hope that continues and I get what you are talking about though, especially with the body bit. Sense of humour is always good and absolutely needed.
Thank you Anne, I am so drawn to bridges.
Great post, Leanne, which I can relate to a lot, as being in my middle sixties. I am enjoying my days much different than before, there is much gratefulness and real happiness, taking the moment in as it is. The same goes for my photography work, it has become much more spiritual and meaningful to me, as I am choosing more carefully my gears and my objects.
That is pretty much how I feel too Cornelia. I don’t feel that time is running out, but I do feel that it is time to get on with things. Thanks for sharing Cornelia.
I was accused of having a midlife crises when I quit a good job and moved to here in the Ozarks. I was 42 at the time, 14 years ago. But what I think really happened is that I reached a point where decisions needed to be made. Go with the status quo or get on through the doorway that was in process of closing. At the time it felt more like deciding whether to drown or start swimming. I like your bridges as theme. It ties in well with the topic.
Sounds like an incredible adventure Madison. I think sometimes to it is confidence that comes with age. Deciding that you don’t have to put up with the crap. It sounds like it was a great decision. Thank you, bridges can be quite amazing and mean many things.
We all need bridges. Emotional or physiological bridges to help us move from what we once thought we were to what we really are. Changing, decaying creatures of time heading into eternity. That’s really the cause of the crises of which you speak Leanne and that which manifests itself in many different ways. Each of us experience it in one form or another. Vulnerability and Mortality. There was a time when each of us considered ourselves invincible but how that inexorably changes. We are not here to stay and most of us are not ready to go. Is there a bridge that we can really depend upon to bring us from this fearful uncertainty into reality and eternal hope??? . Thank God there is.
That is really philosophical Michael, I love it, it is really good, thank you for sharing it with us.
I think the whole mid life crisis thing is rubbish and it’s usually the younger ones who use that term. You hit the nail on the head Leanne. It’s just about people when they get to mid age, they decide and often can afford things that they could never do before due to financial constraints, family responsibilities etc. It actually irritates me when I hear younger people say this.
That is great to hear Noeline, so glad to hear you agree with me. I hate the whole crisis thing, I don’t feel like it is. Thank you Noeline.
I don’t know if you consciously thought about this, but bridges help you get to the other side. HA – a life and death metaphor??
The metaphorical getting to another part of your life. I have thought that as well Don, there is something about bridges that I have always been fascinated with. Thank you.
Amazing photos from an inspiring youthful photographer!
Thank you so much Chris.
good one….outstanding post….thanks for share
You’re welcome and thank you.
“It is the fastest growing demographic for photography. Yet, how many of us feel as though companies don’t care about us?” So very true. I frequent a couple of shops where there are some young assistants but there are a number of middle-aged experts too.
There such be a lot of middle-aged experts really, when you think about it, still, maybe that is just me. I often feel like no one thinks I have anything worth contributing. Thanks Chris.
HI LEANNE,
I’m 81 years old and still taking pictures and shooting and editing video for social media. I didn’t have time for a mid-life crisis and I honestly think that if you have a fulfilling life as you obviously do with your photography then I see no mid-life crisis in your future. I enjoy your posts and especially your photos. You’ve given me some good ideas for my own work. So keep shooting and mid-life crisis be damned!
Sheila Macdonald
I know what you mean Sheila, I haven’t had one and I think I don’t really believe in such things anyway. We just keep living. Thank you, and that is great to hear, so happy I give you great ideas.