Our society tends to exert undue pressure on those who are ageing, often coercing people into a frenzy of anti-ageing products and regimens, simply out of the fear of societal judgment, rather than genuine desire.

In this article, I’ll share 7 surprising ways to embrace middle age and make it the best thing to ever happen to you.

By the end, I hope to make the point that there’s no shame in choosing to embrace middle age, just as there’s no shame in striving for youthfulness.

Ultimately, our choices should stem from personal introspection, rather than external pressures.

The goal here is not to stigmatize aging but to help readers see middle age as a phase of life that can be embraced and enjoyed, rather than dreaded.

1) Embrace the change

This was a tough one for me to fully accept.

Resisting the inevitable stemmed from the notion that I could somehow control the ageing process. 

But the reality is that my body changes and ages despite my mental resistance.

Let me elaborate.

If you’re going to age gracefully, it’s essential to accept that you’re not in control of the ageing process. You’re evolving naturally.

It’s crucial to let go of the illusion of control that comes from believing you can stop or reverse ageing. You can’t. 

But your attitude and actions towards it can make all the difference, and they are most powerful when they happen without fear or regret.

2) Age is just a number

Advice on how to navigate middle age often recommends staying active or maintaining a youthful mindset. While this is commonly advised in our society, it’s not the true key to embracing middle age.

Instead, the real key comes from observing your changing body and mind. When you try to stay young forever, you give too much power to societal norms. You give up your natural progression.

Now, I give less power to societal expectations.

Sometimes I have moments of nostalgia for my younger days. Other times I’m having anxious thoughts about impending old age. I don’t worry about this anymore.

3) The wisdom of age is enviable

You may think that youth is the ultimate ideal, but before long, you might find yourself being envied by the younger generation for your wisdom and experience.

Few things can boost confidence like being looked up to for your wisdom. You might even find yourself on the receiving end of that admiration. 

Wisdom is a gift that comes with age, but if you willingly overlook the value of your gained experience and insights, you are neglecting a treasure.

Also, it’s important to ask yourself about the role of wisdom in your life.

Perhaps you and your peers are feeling envious because you have genuine insights and understandings that come with age.

Often, we berate ourselves for ageing, as though it’s something that we shouldn’t embrace.

Perhaps it’s time to appreciate these experiences. They may be a sign that you’re living a meaningful life.

4) Your relationship with yourself is paramount

The thing is, societal expectations and stereotypes also justify how we treat ourselves as we age.

In my case, I tend to get caught up in societal norms. I become obsessed with the idea of maintaining a youthful appearance.

My intentions are good. I believe that appearing young may help me fit into society better.

But when I get so caught up, I can slip into the habit of thinking these norms are more important than my own well-being. I can lose touch with my own desires. I become stressed and am probably not such a pleasant person to be around.

If I judged myself for my intentions, I wouldn’t question my behavior.

Instead, because I don’t focus on societal expectations, I am more able to reflect on my actions and change how I behave. I am learning to accept and appreciate myself as I age.

How you treat yourself is what matters, not the societal norms that drive your behavior.

5) Ageing brings clarity

I remember a distinct moment in my thirties when I was overwhelmed with trying to balance a demanding job, a growing family, and maintaining a social life.

I was constantly striving to keep everyone happy, often neglecting my own needs in the process.

As I entered my forties, something shifted. Suddenly, I found myself caring less about what others thought and more about what made me truly happy. 

I started saying “no” to things that didn’t serve me and “yes” to things that sparked joy. I stopped trying to fit into society’s mold and started creating my own.

This clarity didn’t come overnight. It was the result of years of experiences, failures, triumphs, and lessons learned.

But as I embraced middle age, I realized it was one of the greatest gifts ageing had bestowed upon me.

So don’t dread the advancing years. They bring with them a clarity and self-awareness that can make life incredibly rewarding.

6) Harness the power of perspective

Middle age is often associated with a phenomenon called the “U-bend of life“. Studies show that people’s happiness tends to dip in their forties and fifties, only to rise again in later years, forming a U shape on the graph of life satisfaction.

Here’s the key point:

This finding suggests that as we grow older, we gain a broader perspective on life. This perspective can diffuse stress and help us appreciate the smaller things in life, leading to increased contentment.

For those feeling overwhelmed by middle age, understanding this U-bend phenomenon can provide a sense of hope. It’s a reminder that we are part of a larger pattern, a continuum that extends beyond our current circumstances.

Harnessing the power of perspective encourages us to see our journey as part of a larger narrative and can provide a sense of purpose and anticipation for the future.

7) Accept the uncertainty

As we age, we might expect to have everything figured out. After all, with age comes experience, and with experience comes knowledge. But the truth is, middle age often brings with it a new set of questions and uncertainties.

Instead of viewing this as a failure or setback, consider it a sign of growth. Accepting that you don’t have all the answers means you’re still open to learning and evolving.

This recognition can be liberating. It relieves the pressure to know it all and allows room for curiosity and exploration. It creates space for new experiences, perspectives, and insights to flourish.

So while middle age may bring new uncertainties, it also brings an opportunity for continued growth. And isn’t that what life is truly about? 

Embrace the uncertainties of middle age, for they are proof that you are still on an exciting journey of discovery.

Bottom line: It could be evolutionary

The complexities of human attitudes towards ageing often have deep-rooted connections with our evolutionary history.

One such connection is the relationship between humans and the concept of wisdom.

This concept, prevalent in many cultures, has been associated with ageing and plays a pivotal role in societal structures.

For those embracing middle age, wisdom might be a key factor in their acceptance of this life stage. The accumulation of life experiences potentially induces a sense of contentment and fulfilment when they engage in reflective activities.

Whether it’s imparting knowledge to the younger generation, making more informed decisions, enjoying the clarity that comes with age, or simply savouring the richness of long-established relationships, the underlying evolutionary process might be enhancing their experience.

As Carl Jung, the renowned psychiatrist, once said, “The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only, its meaning and purpose are different…”

Embrace this afternoon of life. It’s not a decline but a progression into a phase filled with wisdom, self-awareness, and perhaps, the most rewarding experiences yet.