Life Reimagined: The Science, Art and Opportunity of Midlife

Early on, Life Reimagined debunks the notion that most middle-aged Americans experience what became well-known in the 1970s as a “midlife crisis.”  Researchers have found that human happiness over the course of a person’s lifespan can be represented by a U - shaped curve.  In this model the two high points of happiness occur in childhood and old age respectively.  The lowest point occurs somewhere during midlife. The research shows that for most middle-aged people this low point is more accurately characterized as a malaise rather than a crisis.  It is during this time after living through their fair share of triumphs, tragedies, successes and failures that most adults feel compelled to take stock and recalibrate their lives so that they can, hopefully, to the best of their abilities thrive in their later years.

After addressing the midlife crisis myth, throughout the rest of the book the author investigates various aspects of what she calls the three truths about midlife: engage with verve, choose purpose over happiness, and that one’s attitude effects one’s experience.  Hagerty is an award-winning journalist who has spent several years working for National Public Radio.  As a middle-aged person herself, she shares many insights and reflections with readers from her own experience.