To think that 40s is not 'middle aged'

[Beancounter1]

Here is how my scheme goes:

0-10 childhood
10-19 older childhood and teens
20-29 young adult
30 to 49 - two decades of 'prime' adulthood
50-59 middle aged
60-69 getting older
70-79 old
80+ bonus time

Do you disagree?

I'm 47, my oldest is pushing 25 and getting married next year. My mum had been a grandma since 46 but also had her last child at 40.. My son is adamant he won't be having children until he's well into his 30's. I'm definitely middle aged, but not yet ready for grandchildren or slowing down!

This has been my experience leaving my 20s and going into my 30s and I imagine it will continue. Looking smart and polished has coincided with progressing in my career which boosted my confidence and increased my disposable income which empowered me to invest in myself and increase my confidence further.

I think this is a very common experience.

I'm 45, I'd say I'm definitely middle aged, as in around half way through my life and my career. But I don't think it means the same thing it used to mean anyway!

@Beancounter1

Disagree. Of course mid 40s is middle aged. People tend to want to believe middle aged is 55 when they're in their 40s. 😜

If 50 to 59 is middle aged, then that means the average lifespan is 100 to 118, which of course it's not!

17?! Nah. This is really subjective, but I think the most attractive age for most people is late 20s to early 30s. Sweet spot of youthful looks and the being more sure of who you are that increases as you age.

40s is definitely middle aged.

I think everyone is in denial about age now. No one wants to be “old”.

I'm 55 and I refuse to be middle aged.

I think this is the heart of the matter. It is not about a calculation based on halving life expectancy.
When women used to have their children during their 20s, the children would mostly be leaving home by the time the woman was 50. Then middle age starts, time to look after your own elderly parents before getting old yourself.
It is about stages of life, not maths.

Of course men are 'in their prime' til about 65 😁

I think much of the issue here is that you’re giving ‘middle aged’ negative connotations.

40 is definitely middle aged op.

I think this is the heart of the matter. It is not about a calculation based on halving life expectancy.

According to whom?

When women used to have their children during their 20s, the children would mostly be leaving home by the time the woman was 50. Then middle age starts, time to look after your own elderly parents before getting old yourself.
It is about stages of life, not maths.

Where are you getting that definition from though? There have always been women who had children as teenagers, as young adults, as adults, and as middle-aged adults. Middle age is about your age, not about what you happen to be doing at that point. Are you really saying that if a woman had a baby at 45, sge still wouldn't be middle-aged at 55 because she still had a 10yo child?

My Dad's first words to me on my 35th birthday were 'Welcome to middle age'.

I'm 48 now and def thing that 40s, and at least 45 on is middle age.

"It is about stages of life, not maths"

Age categories are absolutely all about maths. A mature 10 year old isn't classed as a teenager. It's only for numbers that end in 'teen'. My neighbour is in her 90s but incredibly active and young at heart. She is still old, no matter how you dress it up.

I say, it’s a mindset!

If you’re 34 with a 10 and 8 year old, you’ll feel more middle aged then if you’re single / travelling / living in a city going out all the time!

You're unlikely to live to 110.

@Itsoktogiveup there’s not a chance I looked better at 17 then I do now.

Well I’m 49 and I’m identifying as non-aged … I’m won’t be defined by my age and will ignore the wrinkles and sags. If you want me you can find me in my fort with wine (pushed the couches together and put a blanket over)

I'm 55 and I refuse to be middle aged.

You can refuse to accept it but you can't refuse to BE middle aged. Never mind, in another 10 years you'll be old.

This is with the assumption everyone lives to 100!!

👏👏👏

youre being silly op

Well 45 is actually half of 90 so depending on how long a person lives 45 would be older than middle age, not saying old but to me the term middle age means middle of age so yeah it's about right

But whatever we call it or not, same as having plastic surgery your body is as old as it is, you can try and look younger but it doesn't change your actual age

Noooo. Middle age is 10years older than my actual age.

🤣 how can young adult be before someone is 18? That’s literally the definition of adult!
i have a 13 year old and I can tell you, she is far from an adult!!
Adults can drink, smoke, drive and open Amazon / ebay accounts under their own names and payment details. None of which my DD can do!

Middle age to me is 50+. It’s doesn’t actually mean dead on the middle of life to me, it’s more of a stage.
Old age is 75+ At least.

Seeing as most people don't live to 100, no 50 doesn't start middle age. 40's do!