Introducing RestlessUrban: a midlife exploration

“What got you here won’t get you there.” This saying resonates quite well as we embark upon what’s fondly called “middle age.” It’s when you realize you’re at the halfway point…halfway to the end. It’s a bit morose when you stop to think about it.

As your life continues to evolve with unexpected twists and turns, what if middle age really denotes a new beginning?

What is middle age?

According to Wikipedia, “middle age” can be defined as the time of ages about 40–45 to about 60–65. Many changes may occur between young adulthood and this stage. There is no universal consensus on what the exact definition of middle age is, but usual characteristics include the beginning of rapid decline of fertility, graying of hair, and lessening of opportunities. Those in middle age continue to develop relationships and adapt to changes in relationships. Such changes are highly evident in the maturing relationships between growing or grown children and aging parents. Community involvement is typical of this stage of adulthood, as is continued career development.

From what I’ve seen and experienced, it’s an exciting new stage. Yes, I’m in a full-blown battle with my gray hair. But my children are young adults, which brings its own challenges (ie, paying for college), along with aging parents and in-laws. Some of the questions that seem closer than ever include:

• Where to retire and when to retire?
• How do you care for your loved ones when they can no longer take care of themselves?
• Is it worth maintaining a career when ageism and a lack of ambition reign supreme?
• What does wellness look and feel like in this new stage of life?
• How do our relationships and intimacy change?

A new perspective

With RestlessUrban, you’re invited to come along on the journey as we explore how our lives are moving and evolving in ways we never expected. We’ll cover these questions above and so much more. The key areas we dive into include:

• Health — A look at how your health evolves and changes with age. Why and how taking a holistic view of health could indeed be healthier.
• Wellbeing — From your body to your mind, embracing what wellbeing means at this stage of life. Depending upon your circumstances, it could take on a number of definitions.
• Intimacy — Married, single, widowed, divorced, or somewhere in between, as we encounter middle age, the role of intimacy may shift. Increasing, decreasing or non-existent, we’ll explore them all.
• Relationships — Friends, family, colleagues…our relationships with others as well as ourselves takes on a very different approach. And the journey can vary significantly.
• Career — Once ambitious and career-driven, middle age may have you considering retirement, a career pivot, or “quiet quitting.” We’ll take a journey to explore different aspects of a career in middle age.
• Play — We may be older, but we still like to have fun. The idea of play may involve reading a book, playing pickleball, or lounging in the pool, and that’s okay. There are no rules in middle age and that’s part of the allure.

Arthur C. Brooks’ “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life” captures the sentiment.

“Middle age is not the end but a profound beginning. It is the time to harness the wisdom of our experiences, embrace new purposes, and find deeper fulfillment in the journey ahead.”

Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as we take an unfiltered look at how some of the essential areas of your life embark on this new second chapter known as midlife.