If 50 is the new 30 – where is the new middle-age?

Ask several people to define middle-age – and you’ll probably get several different answers... 

Florida State University sociology professor Anne Barrett says unlike adulthood and old age, middle-age has no clear or legal boundaries – and the span has been creeping up a lot as the largest population ages. Here’s how different groups feel about it:

• Both women and men view the start and end of middle age as occurring earlier for women than for men. 

• Younger adults see middle age as occurring at younger ages than older adults. 

• People who are more socioeconomically disadvantaged or belong to racial or ethnic minority groups tend to view this stage as occurring earlier than do their peers.

So just when does middle age begin and end? Professor Barrett says most people think middle age begins at 44 and ends at 60.