1. The Middle Years
Chapter 26
Alaina McLoughlin

2. What is “Mid-Life”?
Mid-Life is considered the years from the age 45-65
Many changes that occur during this time include physical,
emotional and social changes
Relationships in life change as well
Menopause and many health problems and diseases become
apparent during these years as well

3. Frequent Changes
Children grow up, leaving the house as what’s known as an
“empty nest”
Divorce
Parents becoming ill or passing away
Friends or spouse/partner becoming ill and passing away
Children divorcing and moving home with their children,
causing a change in life

4. Many Roles
Many women hold full-time jobs, are mothers, wives, care-
takers of sick parents and also have children who are
dependent on them
This leaves women with little time for themselves and to take
care of their health
2.4 Million U.S. Grandparents are raising their grandchildren

5. Menopause
Menopause; also called the “change in life” is when
menstruation ceases and your body stops producing as much
estrogen
Signs of menopause are PMS, changes in menstruation, hot
flashes and night sweats, changes in sleep, vaginal and
urinary changes, less sexual desire and depression

6. Mid-Life & Sex
For some women, sexual desire increases but it often
decreases for some women too
Married or committed women think of mid-life sex as a way
to deepen a commitment
A myth: “Once my periods stop being regular I can have
intercourse without using birth control”...however, this is
false and many women do get pregnant during menopause

7. Drugs & Sex
Certain prescription drugs like anti-depressants can drop the
desire to have sex or partake in sexual activities
As aging occurs, people are often on more medications than
previously in their life
Drugs have been used to increase sexual arousal and low
libido such as viagra for women, however these only usually
work with women on anti-depressants
Estrogen and Testosterone Therapy have also been used

8. Preventative Health
Some mid-life diseases and problems can be prevented earlier
in life
A balanced diet, exercise, vitamins and having healthy habits
promotes good health
Vision and hearing changes also can occur so frequent check-
ups and exams are highly recommended by most physicians

9. Insurance & Healthcare
Women in the “middle years” are too young for Medicare and
not poor enough for Medicaid, leaving a gap in insurance
coverage
Many women lose their benefits of health insurance if a
spouse dies
Middle aged women are more likely to be poor and
uninsured than middle aged men

10. Resources Available
Women’s Advocacy Groups are available like the Gray
Panthers, Raging Grannies and OWL to improve the status
and image that older people are given
Interesting Quote, Chapter 26: “People born in 1946-1964 will
increase the over sixty-five population to about one fifth of
the total in 2030.”
Support groups are also in place to help and support women
during these life changing and challenging years

11. In Conclusion...
Many women embrace aging and a new energy overcomes
them and they are able to do more than they ever did and
become more physically fit and involved in activities than
ever before
This is a time where careers change and going back to school
often happens
Life becomes more valuable because of the time that has
passed since youth and young adulthood

12. Discussion Questions
What can woman do in their twenties to prevent chronic
illnesses and diseases from happening in their mid-life years?
Do you know anyone who is in their middle years that is
having trouble adjusting to this new time in their life?
Do you know anyone in their middle years that loves the
middle years?
What do you think is the hardest part of aging?