Is the 'midlife crisis' a real thing?

Concepts of middle age change as we get older. People aged over 60 recalled their midlife crisis at 53, while those in their 40s dated theirs to 38.

It appears that there are no distinct midlife crises, but rather crises that occur from time to time.

Midlife does not have to be a time of psychological gloom.

• People become less neurotic and self-conscious from age 41 to 50.
  
• Women from ages 43 to 52 tend to become less dependent and self-critical, more confident, responsible and decisive.
  
• The more crises people reported the more empathetic they were towards others.