Washington, Jan 22 (IANS) Elliot Jacques coined the term 'mid-life crisis' 40 years ago, when the average lifespan was 70 and 'mid-life' came at age 35. Not any more as a new study says they are the best years to flourish and grow.

Carlo Strenger, psychology professor at the Tel Aviv University (TAU) co-authored the study with Israeli researcher Arie Ruttenberg and said the mid-years can actually be fulfilling.

Citing research based on empirical evidence and studies from the field, Strenger said that adult lives really do have second acts.

He dismisses the prevailing myth that reaching the years between the 40s and the early 60s means adapting to diminished expectations, both internally and from society.

"If you make fruitful use of what you've discovered about yourself in the first half of your life, the second half can be the most fulfilling," said Strenger.

By 30, most Americans have already married, decided where to live, bought their first home, and chosen their career. "But at 30, people still have the better part of their adult years ahead of them," he said.

Neurological research has also disproved the notion that the brain deteriorates after 40. "A rich and fruitful life after 50 is a much more realistic possibility," he added.

How can you transition smoothly through the best years of your life?

"First, and most important, invest some sincere thought in the fact that you have more high-quality adult years ahead of you than behind you. Realise what that means in planning for the future," Strenger suggested.

Second, he said, think about what you've learned about yourself so far. Consider what you've found to be your strongest abilities and about the things that most please you, not what your parents or society expected of you when you were young.

Third, don't be afraid of daunting obstacles in making new changes. "Once you realise how much time you have left in this world, you will find it is profoundly worth it to invest energy in changing in major ways. A new career choice is not an unreasonable move, for example," Strenger advised.

Finally, he said it is absolutely necessary to make use of a support network. Individuals should discuss major life changes with their colleagues, friends and families.

The people who know you best will best be able to support you in the new directions you want to take, he advised, and a professional therapist or counsellor can also be helpful, said a TAU release.

Strenger's book on the subject is "The Designed Self", published by The Analytic Press. His latest book, "Critique of Global Unreason: Individuality and Meaning in the Global Age", will be published by Palgrave this year.

    
  
  
       
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