The biggest sign a man’s having a midlife crisis is a flashy red sports car on the drive, right? Not any more…
In the old days, if a person was going through a midlife crisis, it was easily determined by whether or not they’d gone and bought a flashy car all of a sudden. Or if they’d started up an affair with their secretary…
Now it seems things have changed, and you’re more likely to find middle-aged men splashing out on cycling gear and Lycra, and taking more of an interest in their health, than getting all macho and pumping up their ego and image.
A recent survey by the New Covent Garden Soup Co. suggests that middle-aged men are ’embracing health over wealth and pushing pedals, rather than coveting cars’. The research found that, ’formerly a matter of ridicule, a fifth of middle-aged men are now proud to identify as a so called ’middle-aged man in Lycra’, or MAMIL’.
Running, cycling and triathlons appear to be the top new midlife pursuits, and that’s not all: apparently, ’22% of UK dads are now talking about and taking part in physical activity more than their kids’.
Aside from the health benefits, this sudden surge in exercise is having a positive impact on family life too, with 41% of MAMIL partners being impressed with their other half’s dedication and commitment to their fitness regimes. (Secretaries should be getting far less attention then, too.)
So in what other ways have midlife crises morphed? Here’s a closer look…
PRIORITY CHANGE
Old days: Secretaries, wealthy bosses, ’cool’ new friends – previously these were picked up during a classic midlife crisis to boost feelings of being young, valued, rich, attractive and on-the-ball.
Nowadays: Now, according to the survey, men in middle-age are 22% more likely to want to spend more time with their families.
CAREER RETHINK
Old days: You’d previously have grown miserable at work but done nothing about it, accepting that this was it until retirement.
Nowadays: People are going back to school and getting degrees in a subject of their choice. It’s no longer unusual for people to embark on a second career that they actually enjoy.
GOOD TO TALK
Old days: Depression and anxiety – often brought on by divorce, separation and midlife redundancy – went unchecked and untreated.
Nowadays: Getting a therapist and tackling depression, rather than suffering in silence and letting it overwhelm, is becoming more and more common and far less stigmatised.
HEALTHY HABITS
Old days: A midlife crisis would see many adopt a diet of cigarettes and whisky.
Nowadays: Hand in hand with taking up cycling, 30% of men are now more interested in sticking to a healthy diet and, if the rise of home-made bread is anything to go by, cooking from scratch regularly as well.
LOSE THE BOOZE
Old days: Drinks after work (or during work…) were standard.
Nowadays: The survey found that 15% of men just aren’t going to the pub so much.