The University of Minnesota recently launched The Midlife Academy, a learning community where people in their middle adult years can come together to explore what’s next.
Kate Schaefers, director of The Midlife Academy at the University of Minnesota, answers questions about how people can navigate the many challenges and opportunities that come at midlife.
Q: What common uncertainties do people face during midlife?
Schaefers: Midlife — starting at around 40 and lasting until around 65 — is a life stage that can feel like shifting sands. Priorities are changing, roles and relationships are being redefined and our bodies are aging. Careers that once engaged us may not be as fulfilling as they once were. What once fit may no longer make sense. Carl Jung said it best: “We cannot live the afternoon of life according to the program of life’s morning.”
Here’s the catch: We crave stability and direction, but the path ahead is unclear. This liminal space, neither here nor there, is uncomfortable. We feel stuck in a present that isn’t working and uncertain about what the future holds.
Q: How can people find steady ground in times of change?
Schaefers: There’s much we can’t control in our own lives, let alone in the world around us. Uncertainty can breed fear, anxiety and stress. To find steady ground, we need to flip the script. Instead of leading with fear, embrace areas where you have control. Take time to reflect on what’s most important to you. Focus on the future you want and take small steps that move you in that direction. Strengthen marketable skills, rekindle old networks and build new ones. Find others to support you as sounding boards and for emotional support. Most of all, be intentional about taking care of yourself — mentally, physically and emotionally. Seek out people, activities and spaces that give you energy and hope and feed your soul.
Q: What daily actions can people take to stay aligned with their goals and values?
Schaefers: Values are painted with a broad brush — courage, gratitude and achievement, for example. For values to be real, we need to be intentional. To build a life around values, goals need to reflect priorities, in concrete ways, and be translated into day-to-day decisions. One strategy is to take a daily pause: step away from the clutter and refocus your mind. Center your breathing and just be present. Make it a habit, especially in times of stress, to shut out the noise and distractions and get re-centered on the life you want to lead and the person you want to be.
Q: How do relationships change in midlife and what can people do to maintain community and connection?
Schaefers: Relationships evolve over time as life circumstances, roles and priorities shift. We all need trusting relationships that nurture connection and belonging. However, for many at midlife, busy lives have gotten in the way of relationships, friendships and community connection.
If this rings true for you, you are not alone. Today’s generation reports having fewer friends and feeling less connected than previous generations. Yet we know how important social connections are, especially as we age. It’s never too late to find (or create) your own community. Start small. Rekindle relationships that have drifted apart. Reach out to groups that share your interests. Volunteer for organizations you believe in. Carve out time. Take a risk. Make it a priority.
Q: How does your work at The Midlife Academy help support people navigating these transitions?
Schaefers: Finding a new path, whether it’s a mid-career change, a relationship reboot or a transition to retirement, is difficult.
The Midlife Academy offers three things that help:
- The space to contemplate what’s most important
- A framework for how to go about making meaningful changes
- A community of kindred spirits at a similar life stage
We offer both in-person and online options to accommodate working adults. Our approach is grounded in research and focused on community-building. It’s easy to get stuck, and doing this work alongside others can make all the difference. We need fresh perspectives, and others serve as mirrors, connectors and cheerleaders as we explore and grow.
Kate Schaefers is the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and The Midlife Academy at the University of Minnesota, which are both part of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. She also is a psychologist, coach and educator. She coaches professionals who are transitioning into new roles, jobs, careers and organizations that are exploring ways to tap the talent of a multigenerational workplace. A past volunteer state president of AARP-MN, Shaefers currently serves on the AARP-MN Executive Council.
About the College of Continuing and Professional Studies
Established in 1913, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies empowers lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals through professional courses, applied and individualized degrees, and other academic pathways. With values that include access, learning, inclusivity, collaboration and excellence, the College pursues a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced. Learn more at ccaps.umn.edu.
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