Middle age is fascinating because it’s one of the most mysterious points in the human lifespan. Researchers have studied youth and old age relentlessly, but they have largely overlooked middle age. Funnily enough, we even struggle to define when middle age begins.

A 2026 YouGov poll found that most people see it happening in their 40s, with 49% saying it happens from 40 to 49. Thirty-three percent say it occurs in their 50s. If you want to be technical, the average person lives to 79, so 39.5 is the exact middle age. 

What are some misconceptions about being middle-aged?

Margie Lachman, PhD, the Director of Lifespan Development at Brandeis University, suggests that we see midlife more as a state of mind, or better yet, a slate of responsibilities than an actual age. “Well, for the most part, we’re talking about the 40s and 50s,” Lachman told the........

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