At the center of his theory is the life structure , the underlying pattern of an individual's life at any particular time. An individual's life structure is shaped by the social and physical environment. Many individuals' life structures primarily involve family and work, although other variables such as religion, race, and economic status are often important.
Early adulthood is entered when men begin careers and families.
After an evaluation of themselves at about age thirty, men settle down and work toward career advancement. Then another transition occurs at about age forty, as men realize some of their ambitions will not be met. During middle adulthood, men deal with their particular individuality and work toward cultivating their skills and assets. Finally, the transition to late adulthood is a time to reflect upon successes and failures and enjoy the rest of life. In general, he found that women go through the same type of cycles that men do.