Cognitive Changes.

            David, who studied some psychology while in college, comes across the work of

Robert C. Atchley, (2000,page 116-117),who discusses Daniel Levinson's work on

developmental periods of middle and late adulthood. He suggests that the midlife

transition occurs between age 40 and 45; it "...terminates young adulthood." From 45 to

50 is "entry life structure for middle adulthood" and gives the initial start to life in this

new phase. From ages 50 to 55 is a period of adjusting and improving on the middle life

phase. In ages 55-60, the maintenance of middle adulthood is the major characteristic of

the period.

            Nancy studied out the following: Barbara H. Lemme, (2002, page 136) mentions

K. Warner Schaie's Seattle Longitudinal Study (1983) which began in 1956 to chart the

"five primary mental abilities from young adulthood through old age." She then lists

several charts from the resultant data indicating that verbal meaning, spatial orientation

and reasoning all declines with age after about 55 years of age.

            It is hard for both Nancy and David to understand these cognitive changes in

themselves. Some of their friends, however, do seem to show some of these changes.

            Now they turned to the study of the Social Clock or acting your age.

Social and Family Changes (the Social Clock).

            Nancy found the following: Jill Quadagno, (2002), gives the American Social

Clock in her "Age Timetables for Major Life Events," (page 216).

               By age 44.2 for males and 39.1 for females, child bearing completion should be accomplished.

              Grand parenthood should begin at 52.3 for males and 50.9 for females.

              She gives the peak of a person's work career as 41.7 for males and 39.8 for females.

               Finally, she gives the age at retirement as 61.3 years old for males and 59.3 for females.

            David was only able to find this: Karen L. Freiberg, (1987), states in her summary

of chapter 10 of her book that for many Americans the "...fifties and early sixties can be

years of peak status and power." "...vast numbers of persons in this age span

still feel in the prime of their lives."

            David and Nancy has some personal history in this social clock thing when their

parents, years ago, kept asking them "When are you going to start having children?" That

and several other statements were uncomfortable for them, so they began to look into

what may be "wrong with them." This quest took them into learning about their "inner

selves."

Spiritual and Personal Growth and Identity.

            Nancy read about the tasks that are supposed to be accomplished during this

period of their lives. Barbara H. Lemme, (2002, page 62), summaries Havinghurst's Adult

Development Tasks in middle age (35 to 60 years of age) as including relating to ones

spouse as a friend, recognizing your own parents are aging, assisting adult

children to get a start in the world, being self-reliant with maintaining a standard of

living, being involved with civic and social responsibilities, adjusting to one's own aging

pattern, and developing leisure time activities.

            David, since he had earlier studied some psychology, found these words to make

sense to him. Barbara H. Lemme, (2002, page 49), summaries Eric Erickson's last two

stages of psychosocial development. Middle adulthood (40 to 65) is Generativity versus

Self Absorption phase. People often begin to think about a legacy that they can leave

behind now that the days ahead are less than the days behind them. Those failing to do

this are still focused on their own needs and wants and miss growth opportunities.