CHANGES AND CHALLENGES OF MID LIFE: PART 1

This article reviews the developmental literature on middle adulthood and describes some of the main physical and psychosocial changes that occur. Critical psychological issues are identified that evolve from the reevaluation of former goals, values, and achievements. The issues are related to the time-left orientation characteristic of mid life. Sociocultural changes involving new developmental stages in the family, work, and leisure are discussed. Changes in physical and cognitive capacities and functions are described. These changes are regarded as crises since they challenge the individual with options that can lead to further individualism and life satisfaction.