Midlife Crisis

If a senior has passed beyond a Midlife Crisis, is there a possibility that a Seniorlife Crisis might appear? A recent article in the July 2010 issue of SmartMoney dealt with “The Rising Cost of a Midlife Crisis.” If true, there just might be something left after a midlife crisis for one in the golden age. But be aware: it too could be more costly.

What were the crises that Neil Parmar wrote about that are getting costlier? One midlifer, with a Ph.D, a family man with two kids, wanted to get certified in skydiving. His list also included a tattoo and a motorcycle.

Another would like to start a business to get off the “office treadmill.” Kim Cameron traded in her corporate career to chase her dream of becoming a pop-star. Another wanted to play the stock market and make his own financial decisions. Another wanted to upgrade her appearance. The article then gave some suggestions to manage the Midlife Crises.

Now, let's suppose you never gave in to a midlife crisis yet there is still a yearning for one. As seniors, we're supposed to have had enough experience and a well-honed maturity so these hidden passions can easily be dismissed. But if not, what should we do? Encourage it? Do some research? Talk to a counselor? Involve your spouse?

What does age have to do with this? If for decades a secret longing has refused to quit, why not give it a try? What can you lose? Maybe a lot.

Let's suppose your Seniorlife Crisis involves a physical activity that may not have been advisable forty years ago. Like hot-rodding with a Harley or sky diving. But you argue, if Senior Bush could do it, I can do it. But then your wife chimes in, I always thought you were an idiot, now I know for sure. Ouch.

Suppose you're as frugal as ever, and your nest egg is actually growing. Why not speculate a little and take that trip around the world you always wanted to do? After all, a little dent in your nest egg wouldn't necessarily be fatal. Maybe not. But who knows just when we just might need that nest egg. Or someone we love becomes deathly ill.

Senior crises occur in various guises and sometimes make senior moments pale by comparison. If a Midlife Crisis bypassed you, maybe that should be considered a blessing.