B2- Upper Intermediate
Midlife crisis is defined as a period of psychological stress and emotional turmoil, typically occurring in middle age when someone is around 40 to 60 years old. It is “characterized by a strong desire for change and a reevaluation of one’s life choices and identity”.
For many people, reaching their midlife could be a very stressful and confusing period in their lives.
Read the article about signs and causes of midlife crisis and learn some tips on how to overcome it. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/midlife-crisis
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to not hold much weight” mean? “While the idea of a midlife crisis being an inevitable reality doesn’t hold much weight, some of us do face new stressors as we enter these years.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “to subscribe to something” mean? “It’s worth keeping in mind that not all cultures subscribe to the concept of a midlife crisis, or even midlife.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “to paint something in a negative light” mean? “Western society, though, tends to paint physical aging in a negative light, while glorifying youth.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the word “midlife”?
- What do you think life’s like during midlife crisis?
- What might be the pros and cons of being middle-aged?
- What are ways one can prepare for and cope with midlife crisis?
- Share your view on this, “The idea of midlife crisis might be partially or mostly shaped by cultural views.”
- Do you know anyone who went through midlife crisis and how did they overcome it? Share.