The baby boomer generation is 75 million strong, representing nearly 30% of the U.S. population, consisting of those born between 1946 and 1964, and 45 to 63 years of age in 2009. Anyone who is a member of this illustrious group can vouch for the fact that they were defined by the ‘60’s.  The music of the Mamas & the Papas  and the Drifters, the Vietnam War, the political climate (Watergate, JFK, etc.) and the search for freedom made deep impressions on the baby boomer generation.

In their relationships, baby boomers are committed to the institution of marriage and many are still happily married to their high school sweethearts. On the flip side, this is the generation that pushed the divorce rate up to 50% and made it more acceptable. Baby boomers are nearing retirement and looking forward to a life of leisure. After all, they’re in better shape and better educated than any other generation.

Crisis brought on by life changes
Increasingly aware that they may be faced with having to seriously downsize, boomers may be experiencing more than their share of crisis – both emotional and financial. Instead of the government and their personal nest eggs providing economic sanctuary, they may be left to our own devices.  The stress may bring on a desire to relive their youth.

But there is just too much living still to be done to succumb to dire predictions or the chemical and hormonal changes raging through their bodies. Most people will experience some form of emotional transition during midlife and take stock in what they’ve accomplished so far in life. But a few extra pounds, laugh lines, graying at the temples and other physical signs of aging needn’t be the start of a midlife crisis, if you’re aware of how it manifests itself and ways to interrupt the negative process.

A midlife crisis may be devouring your relationship, an internal change that will have either a positive outcome or negative outcome. It can be an uncomfortable time emotionally which can lead to depression. Warning signs that you’re dealing with a mid-life crisis include:

• More disagreements and conflict
• Dissatisfaction with job and home
• Desire to make a drastic life change
• Would rather be somewhere else - boredom
• Super critical of appearance, weight, wrinkles, etc.
• Wish list includes muscle or sports car
• Drastic change in clothing, hairstyle
• New focus on physical attributes
• “You’re growing apart.”
• Needs time to think or space
• Need for uncharacteristic intimacy and affection

These are people who have, up to this point, assumed responsibility and been dependable. One day they look in the mirror and see someone looking back who they don’t recognize – an old man or woman. Time is running out; there are so many things that still need to be done. Husband/wife, father/mother, bread winner/homemaker – too many stressful roles with too few life goals accomplished.

Heading off the crisis
You might rage against the life process, but there’s no way to avoid the ticking clock of age. By neglecting your own personal needs and desires and focusing only on others, you stand the risk of being unable to refocus when they no longer need your attention. If a woman spends her days taking care of her family with no regard for her own needs, she is asking for trouble. Likewise, if a man works hard to provide for his family and doesn’t pursue experiences outside the family, he is setting himself up for a crisis.

Living in the now is the mantra that will help move someone out of the dispondency of a midlife crisis; changing how you think and view your life will help you to master your later years with grace and joy. Most of us, no matter what stage of life we’re in, have been programmed by time and society to tow-the-line and follow a politically correct paradigm. By moving away from our comfort zone and embracing a personal dream, the transition will be easier. People who live their lives fulfilling their dreams and have a purpose are less likely to experience a crisis at midlife or minimize the effects, if they experience one.