Untangle Rethinking Aging: How to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond. With Barbara Waxman
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Apr 28, 2026 Barbara Waxman, gerontologist and author of The Middlescence Manifesto, reframes midlife as a vibrant stage of reinvention. She explores ageism and workplace strategies, the science behind happiness and longevity, daily habits that build resilience, and the idea of middlescence as a dynamic life chapter. Expect practical takes on purpose, cognition, movement, and intergenerational connection.
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Work Harder On Strength As You Age
- Double down on physical resilience as you age by lifting heavier and prioritizing fitness proactively.
- Waxman lifts heavier weights in her 60s than her daughter in her 30s to preserve capacity after hips surgeries.
Happiness Often Rises In Midlife
- Happiness tends to rise again in midlife due to a shrinking future time perspective that increases appreciation.
- Researchers track a U-curve (now J-curve) where older adults report more happiness partly because time feels more precious.
Think Preferment Instead Of Retirement
- Replace 'retirement' with 'preferment' and design a portfolio of purposeful activities rather than full withdrawal.
- Preferment lets you work for income or meaning in roles you enjoy, like part-time greeter or board member.
