She may find herself readjusting in her marriage, becoming an in-law, and becoming a grandparent, at the same time her hormone imbalance is producing states of depression, loneliness, and bewilderment. People in the anxiety years of life need understanding, encouragement, and support. As we understand that each age group, like the cherry tree, makes a special contribution, we will come to value each age group. A final reevaluation comes at the point of the mate's death of just before one's own death. During the early evaluation times people are looking forward to the future.
Midlife evaluation is a concentrating on the present.
The reflective years at the end of life are a time of looking at the full span of life with a past and present focus as well as a future focus into eternity. This reflective age group has a lot to offer to younger age groups because they have a time focus that sees all of life. They're well beyond the competitive emphasis of the young adult or early midlife person. They have accumulated life experience and are able to look at life issues with an understanding of their complexity and gray areas. It is important for this age group to sense that they have a place in life and a continued contribution to make.