midlife transition

Midlife transition is a period of psychological reassessment that typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 65, when people reflect on their achievements, relationships, and remaining time.

Unlike the more dramatic midlife crisis, transition suggests a gradual process of adjustment rather than acute distress.

She viewed her career change as part of a natural midlife transition rather than a crisis.

The term is favored in psychology for its neutral framing of this developmental stage.