Middle adulthood represents the age span from 35 to 65 years of age. During this span of thirty years, we find a great number of changes in many areas of our lives.

Many people begin to think about "how much time do I have left?" Individuals begin to reexamine their lives, their relationships, their work, and even to question the meaning of life.

Romantic love such as physical attraction, romance and passion are strong in early adulthood. While romantic love may not decline, affectionate or companionate love increases during middle adulthood where emotional interest, security, and loyalty are far more important.

Intimacy patterns will vary across individuals and couples. The rekindling of romance may come from being older and more relaxed with this new person.

Middle adulthood is a time of change and development.

Two of the most noticeable changes occurring in the physical and biological realm are hearing and seeing.

Other changes occur in height. Some people seem shorter as they age. When changes such as graying hair, wrinkling skin and body sagging take place, some adults strive to make themselves look younger by having plastic surgery, dying their hair, or joining fitness programs. Overall, there will be a general loss of energy and more health concerns.

Another major problem that has an effect on health is stress. One continuing mid-life challenge in a marriage relationship is dealing with extended and blended families. Leisure is a key to helping adults deal with stress and other life experiences.

By the time most individuals reach the ages of 40-45, there is a noticeable change in how they view their careers.

Most have ceased to advance up the career ladder. Job satisfaction, in general, tends to be high and continues to increase into their sixties.

The adjustment from idealistic hopes to realistic possibilities and attainable goals is dependent on how much time is left before retirement.

Other problems that may interfere with retirement can cause extra financial burden, such as caring for aging parents and children returning home. For some, retirement planning becomes a major area of financial concern.

There is a great amount of variation among individual lifestyles.

Some have never been married and are bringing children into this relationship, while others are becoming parents for the first time (late parenting). Some will be experiencing the empty nest syndrome and/or experiencing and enjoying grand-parenting.

These reassessments may lead to stress and sadness over unaccomplished goals, which for a small few may lead to a midlife career change. In response to these growing financial needs and greater free time, due to their children getting older, many women enter or re-enter the workforce.

In short, this tends to be a time of career and financial adjustment and planning for both men and women.