Did you know that in 1950, the average life span was 68 years old?  Now, it is 79 for men and women and that number will increase consistently with more medical advances. The age gap between men and women’s life expectancies is also narrowing.  That is good for men and for women, too, since that means there will be more men around. 

Longer living has brought with it a new way of looking at life span. There is now a period called the Third Age, which comes after the kids are gone and retirement is either coming or has already happened.  With greater life expectancy, this time can be as much as 20 to 30 years before the Fourth Age hits, which is decline.  Researchers say we must start thinking differently about aging since the Third Age can be a wonderfully fulfilling period. We have to work to shift our thinking from declining to thriving.  Often once kids are grown and retirement is in place, life gets much simpler, leaving room for all those activities you’ve always wanted to do, but just didn’t have the time. This can mean living a whole extra life beginning in your mid-50s and going forward. 

In my case, my mother finished her Ph.D. at 53 and went on to a whole new career for the next 29 years.  My father died and she had another partner for those 29 years as well.  I watched her life blossom and I hope I can have an equally exciting Third Age.  Of course, I’d prefer for Ray to stay very healthy so we can enjoy these upcoming years together.

If you’re in that age group, please let me know how you’re experiencing your Third Age.  I’d love to hear.