Women in Midlife In a world where youth reigns supreme, women are said to be in midlife anywhere from about age 40 to 60. When women reach this stage in their lives, they are most vulnerable to various issues that have potentially devastating side effects. On the other hand, by this time, many women have honed numerous strengths to help them cope with these same issues and even thrive. The modern woman may experience their age in many ways, depending on their experiences and backgrounds. For example, a chronically ill woman may feel older than a healthy woman. A poor woman who lacks social support may feel tired and old in comparison with a woman in good health with a strong social network. Some of the issues women in midlife may confront are: - Abuse of alcohol - Balancing career and family - Dating younger men - Death of parents - Mood swings - Difficulties with social life - Divorce - Financial problems - Frustration with career - Health issues - Loneliness - Obesity - Problems finding affordable housing The issues I point out can lead to a period of dramatic self-doubt in women, as a result of sensing the passing of their own youth and the imminence of their increasing age. This phase commonly referred to as a mid-life crisis, lasts about 2 to 5 years in about ten percent of women. The midlife crisis may or may not have a hormonal basis, but it is certainly a reality worthy of consideration. Following are stages that women go through during mid-life crisis • Shock • Denial • Depression • Anger • Acceptance Stress and depression can cause devastating effects during the early years but perhaps even more so during midlife. Addressing and ridding the body of psychological stress will be beneficial for women’s long-term physical health. Solutions explored by a properly trained and experienced life coach will focus just as much on the challenges and stresses produced by midlife as on the resources and strengths that come from this unavoidable life transition. Some of the following solutions may be explored: - Prioritize family and friends - Recognize that you are not alone - Surround yourself with those who can provide emotional support - Seek advice from other friends who have faced similar issues - View living alone as a pathway to control, freedom and independence - Share housing - Consider adjusting your preferred age limits in relationships with men - Be open to interreligious, interracial marriage When a woman goes through a midlife crisis, she is more than likely experiencing an internal change of near epic proportions. The outcome of the life transition will depend on the work done by each individual to grow beyond their younger self. Women's Life Coach in New York
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