Turning 50 Isn't Easy!
When we turn 50, life should get easier. Our kids are older and more self-sufficient, and we should be settled into our careers. Unfortunately, there is a lot to worry about as we approach our golden years. Here are 20 life stressors that come after you turn 50.
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1. Health Concerns
Health is the biggest life stressor for anyone, but it becomes more pronounced when you turn 50. You need to be concerned about high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis. Even if you've been healthy up to this point, your doctor visits will increase, and every ache will feel worse than it did ten years ago.
2. Retirement Planning
After turning 50, you're going to start seeing your retirement on the horizon. The countdown will officially begin. Your concerns will turn to savings, pensions, how you will cover your expenses, and your investment portfolio. Planning for your retirement becomes more urgent, and most will curb their propensity for financial risks.
3. Caring for Aging Parents
When you turn 50, you might enter the sandwich generation. This refers to caring for your children and your aging parents. It's a stressful time that can become overwhelming very fast. It's especially hard to witness your parents' decline.
4. Empty Nest Syndrome
When your children move out of the home to start their own lives, you can feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Parents over 50 may struggle with the sudden loss of purpose and the change in family dynamics. After turning 50, it's recommended to start redefining your identity outside of being a parent and to endure the necessary emotional adjustment.
5. Menopause and Hormonal Changes
For women over 50, menopause is a huge life stressor. It brings physical and emotional stress in the form of hot flashes and mood swings. Hormonal changes can impact mood, weight, and even your memory.
6. Weight Gain
Our metabolism slows after we turn 50, making it harder to lose or maintain our weight. It's common to feel frustrated by weight gain. Try not to let it affect your self-esteem. Instead, adopt a diet and exercise routine that will work for your life and won't be too strenuous.
7. Job Insecurity
In your 50s, job stability is crucial. You might feel like your company is trying to push you out the door and into early retirement, or you might feel like there isn't another promotion on the horizon. Be confident in your professional accomplishments and keep working without competing with younger colleagues.
8. Financial Strain
Between supporting your children who are entering adulthood, saving for retirement, and rising healthcare costs, the financial pressure tends to increase in your 50s.
9. Marital Changes
It's normal for married couples to reassess their relationship once they turn 50. Some grow closer, but others must reckon with having grown apart. Divorce or separation at this stage of life isn't uncommon and can be a big stressor.
10. Becoming a Grandparent
Becoming a grandparent is a joyful experience, but it brings new responsibilities. You might have to help with childcare or provide some financial support. There's also the emotional weight of having to transition into a new familial role.
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11. Loss of Parents
It's normal to lose a parent in our 50s, and it's always a tough and stressful situation. It shifts your responsibilities in the family, and you will experience grief. This grief is compounded by having to handle estates and siblings.
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12. Medical Bills
As your health becomes more of a concern in your 50s, you will have to handle pricier medical bills. Even if you have insurance, your prescriptions, check-ups, and procedures will cost more money.
13. Loneliness
Entering your 50s means having to come to terms with some combination of your children leaving your home, your parents dying, and your group of friends shrinking. Any of these can cause loneliness and a feeling of isolation. To combat this, seek out new friendships and forge new relationships with your adult children.
14. Retirement Relocation Decisions
Deciding where to downsize and settle down for the next stage of life can be stressful. You can move to a new state or just downgrade from a house to a condo. Whatever you decide, you'll have to consider finances and logistics.
15. Estate Planning
If you haven't done so, turning 50 will force you to start planning your estate. You will have to make decisions on end-of-life directives and think about who should inherit your possessions and wealth. These tasks are stressful but necessary.
16. Reduced Physical Ability
After turning 50, you will have to accept that you are more physically limited. Aging restricts the activities we can do, but that doesn't mean there aren't lots of opportunities to work out, play sports, and have fun.
17. Cognitive Changes
Forgetfulness or slower thought processing can happen in your 50s. This can lead to other mental health issues, and even minor memory lapses can be stressful. Speak to your doctor if you notice this is happening to you to connect with resources.
18. Divorce of Children
You can't control your children's relationships, and might have to deal with one of them going through a divorce in your 50s. It's part of life, and the goal is to provide the emotional support they may need.
19. Home Maintenance
Houses require maintenance and upkeep, and managing your house's problems and upgrades can be stressful. Financial strain can add to this stress.
20. Loss of Friends
In our 50s, the number of friends we have may shrink. People relocate, get busy with grandchildren, or you might experience a falling out. Social networks can get smaller with age, but that doesn't mean you'll be alone. You can also try new activities that will help you make friends.
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