The third chapter has been described as a potentially vibrant and exciting time of transition and discovering what is possible during the ages of 50 to 75. Awareness of this chapter is something new that has some resemblance to the discovery of adolescence - as we now understand adolescence to be distinct both from childhood and early adulthood, the third chapter is a newly identified developmental phase over the age of 50. Due to increased life expectancy and longer periods of healthy functioning, many of us (a group that includes most baby boomers) have completed much of our careers and childrearing work and we are now challenged with creating a meaningful next 25 years. The common phrase that "today's 60 is the new 40" is another indicator of this emerging optimistic outlook.
Dr Lawrence-Lightfoot, who I mentioned in my June 9th blog, has contributed to the discussion of this new developmental phase and claims that its identification is similar to the emergence of the concept of adolescence over 50 years ago that brought along a deeper understanding of the challenges for that age range. Her book, The Third Chapter, reports on a study of 40 people (24 women and 16 men) between the ages of 50 and 75 who are all well educated and relatively affluent, and who consider themselves "new learners" moving into an exciting next phase.
It seems to me that the identification and discussion of the third chapter will change the way many people look at their over-60 years and open up a host of new opportunities and developmental challenges. I suspect a major "third chapter enhancement" business will emerge and many books and psychological programs will spring up to help us to learn what is possible, to examine barriers to fully engaging with what's next, and to facilitate the "new learner's" voyage.
What about sexuality during this later awakening? Dr. Lawrence-Lightfoot is relatively silent on this important topic, except to affirm the importance of intimate relationships. Clearly sexual satisfaction remains important and needs to be considered. In fact, for some, the discovery of a romantic relationship later in life is one way to transition into a meaningful third chapter.
An iconic story told by many older men is represented by what a young English friend related to me when hearing about my blog. His father lived in the Netherlands, had worked for years in a very good job and had gained substantial prominence and financial success. When he was in his early 60s, with his children long gone, he retired and shortly after his wife of many years died, leaving him alone. Without his main signifiers of identity gone, he felt that his life had come to an end. Soon he entered a severe depression and began traveling in an attempt to lift the dark fog, but remained in a sad state for several years until he met and fell in love with a younger woman while traveling in Chile. He soon married her and essentially began a new life. His son finished the story stating that it was "like a miracle" with his father going from a depressed, sometimes-suicidal old man to someone who was happy and optimistic, feeling that he had a "new lease on life." Of course, finding a "new love" is only one way of successfully transitioning into a vibrant third chapter.
Along with the third chapter freedom comes an existential anxiety, not dissimilar from the college student's considerations of the meaning of life and challenge of figuring out what to do in that life. By the third chapter, I now own my life, but need to create a meaningful existence. Lifespan developmental theorists have been studying later development, but are only now beginning to recognize a distinct third phase. (See discussion of the bonus years by fellow PT blogger, Maggie Scarf.) My upcoming blogs will focus on discussing what is known and some of what needs to be explored about the third chapter, including sexuality and other challenges.
