- Crisis is often triggered by two or more episodes of loss or bereavement
- Experts say it differs from mid-life crisis where people take stock of career
- It may lead to a decline in sufferers physical and mental abilities
By
Jenny Hope
21:09 EST, 11 April 2013
|
03:14 EST, 12 April 2013
A third of people in their 60s undergo a ‘later life’ crisis during which they question the meaning of life, claim researchers
A third of people in their 60s undergo a ‘later life’ crisis during which they question the meaning of life, claim researchers.
The crisis is often triggered by two or more episodes of loss, such as a bereavement or life-threatening illness suffered by a loved one or themselves.
Psychologists say it differs from a mid-life crisis in which middle-aged people take stock of their career or life achievements.
Some over-60s manage to overcome the later life crisis and may even enjoy life more than they did in the past.
But for a third, it may lead to a decline in their physical and mental abilities, with some ‘retreating from the world’.
Dr Oliver Robinson, from the University of Greenwich, who led the research, said it was important for people in their 60s to recognise the signs and for some to seek help.
He said: ‘If you handle it badly it can accelerate your decline. People should not be ashamed of having these experiences – it’s very common – or about seeking help.’Â
A total of 282 people aged 60 and over took part in an online survey designed to assess the nature and number of crisis episodes they had gone through in recent years.
It found that 32 per cent of men and 33 per cent of women reported having had a crisis since the age of 60. The most frequent type was bereavement, followed by illness or injury to themselves or close relatives, and caring for an ill or disabled loved one.
Findings from the survey and a series of interviews revealed that crisis episodes all involved two or more stressful life events.
These featured a sense of loss and one event which raised awareness of mortality such as a major illness or bereavement of someone close to them.
This led to the person being more conscious about frailty and death, and reappraising their own goals, Dr Robinson told the British Psychological Society conference in Harrogate yesterday.
Between 40 and 50 per cent of older people going through a later life crisis emerged feeling more positive about life, he said.
They set new goals to achieve, appreciating every day they have and endeavour to enjoy life more than they did.
One in five people said their views on life were unchanged, but one in three appeared to head into a downward spiral, avoiding making plans to avoid being disappointed.
Dr Robinson said a later life crisis often led to a big change in lifestyle, which had little to do with the changes linked to retirement or children flying the nest.
It was more serious than a mid-life crisis because people in their 40s did not usually become withdrawn from the world.
The crisis is often triggered by two or more episodes of loss, such as a bereavement or life-threatening illness suffered by a loved one or themselves. Psychologists say it differs from a mid-life crisis
He said ‘A later life crisis is when multiple loss-inducing events and the emotions surrounding them precipitate usually a couple of years of struggling to find meaning in life, questioning yourself and your identity, and experiencing a turning point in your life, in terms of your approach to setting goals and making plans.’ He said it tended to occur mostly between the ages of 60 and 65.
‘It seems that when loss-inducing events occur together or in close proximity in time, a person’s capacity to cope in their 60s is overwhelmed. Some retreat from the world as a result and become increasingly isolated.
‘It’s a real phenomenon but it’s difficult to predict who will be affected’ he added.
Dr Robinson said many over-60s had good support networks that could help them through a senior crisis.
But people who didn’t might benefit from professional help, he said.
‘Psychologists are well placed to understand mental health problems in this age group.
‘People who find meaning in the crisis events they have gone through are most likely to be able to successfully adapt afterwards.’
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In times past blind faith in a divine being, a God if you will with the promise of an after life, was enough for most people. Greater education and understanding ofn the natural world has lead to manyb people being sceptical about such things but leads to the inevitable conclusion that after life there is just nothing, non existance and this is scary for many.
There is no remedy, just live life as well as you can, avoid harm to others and then you will be at peace because you are a LONG time dead.
Marshian
,
Romney Marsh,
12/4/2013 12:55
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There are three things that happen as you get older, your strength goes, your memory goes, and I can’t remember the third.
Mr Ed
,
Up North, United Kingdom,
12/4/2013 12:54
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†Live for today..for tomorrow may never comeâ€
Sueth Sayer
,
Birmingham,
12/4/2013 12:50
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A very good article. The 60s is atime when you can experience multiple breavements,and each one seems like a loss to your identity. I think this is definitely the time when you need to broaden your social contacts and this takes effort,but can be rewarding.
Julia
,
London,
12/4/2013 12:48
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I had my crisis at the age of 17 when we had to do Albert Camus at school. I recovered last year (just 30 years later) when I read about Viktor Frankl. As two people here have said: there is no meaning. Make your own meaning.
Jones
,
Germany,
12/4/2013 12:42
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Harry Simcox , RCT….â€Just like your pension plan you should have sorted out this issue years earlierâ€â€¦. During the last 5 years my mother and her sister(my aunt), my wife and her sister, her cousin and her uncle and my brothers wife have all died…and of course millions of other people… not sure where your comment fits ?
s.gee
,
stafford,
12/4/2013 12:21
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how much affection have you earned on the way?
holmesr923
,
axbridge somerset,
12/4/2013 12:13
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If you think 60?s bad, try 70 !
barley sugar
,
barely there,
12/4/2013 11:46
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Because its easy to get lost in the western vacuum. Life is for living, as simple as that, being present in each moment that you have.
fionaebell
,
cornwall,
12/4/2013 11:42
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Even the richest, most selfish, greedy bankers in the press this week will all ‘pop their clogs’ having to realise that they can’t take a penny with them and their ill gotten gains can’t buy a place in heaven if there is such a place. It cheers me up to think that after all the damage these people did, that even the greed driven sociopaths including Fred Goodwin wll all be penniless when the lid is screwed down.
Simon
,
London, United Kingdom,
12/4/2013 11:13
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