Decades of Life: A Simple Breakdown
Contrary to some confusion, the calculation of life decades is straightforward. The first decade of life begins at birth and concludes on your 10th birthday. The second decade spans from your 11th through your 20th birthday, and so on. This pattern makes your 6th decade the period of your life when you are between the ages of 50 and 59.
The Correct Way to Count Decades
To determine which decade of life you are in, consider the following progression:
- 1st decade: Ages 0 to 9
- 2nd decade: Ages 10 to 19
- 3rd decade: Ages 20 to 29
- 4th decade: Ages 30 to 39
- 5th decade: Ages 40 to 49
- 6th decade: Ages 50 to 59
This method is widely accepted for counting decades of a person's life and is different from counting calendar decades (e.g., the 1990s, which ran from 1990-1999). The key difference lies in the starting point; personal decades start with birth, while calendar decades often start with a year ending in '0' and are often subject to cultural convention.
The Psychology and Significance of the 6th Decade
The 6th decade of life, your 50s, is a unique and often fulfilling time. According to some research, this can be one of the best decades of life for several reasons.
Psychosocial Development According to psychologist Erik Erikson's theory, the stage encompassing the 5th and 6th decades is characterized by the concept of "Generativity vs. Stagnation". In this period, people focus on giving back to society, raising children, and developing a sense of purpose. For many, this is a time of shifting priorities and embracing a new perspective on life.
Empty Nest and New Freedoms With children often leaving home, the 6th decade is frequently associated with the 'empty nest' syndrome. While this can be an emotional transition, it can also herald newfound freedoms and opportunities. Couples may rediscover their relationship, and individuals can pursue long-neglected passions, hobbies, or career changes.
Balancing New Responsibilities This decade also comes with the challenge of the 'generational squeeze,' where individuals might find themselves caring for both aging parents and their own adult children. Managing these responsibilities requires careful prioritization and adaptability.
Comparison of Key Life Stages
| Feature | 3rd Decade (20s) | 6th Decade (50s) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Identity formation, exploring independence, career establishment, and romantic intimacy. | Generativity, raising families, career leadership, and managing family life. |
| Key Question | "Can I make it on my own?" | "How do I manage my multiple family responsibilities while also looking to the future?" |
| Emotional Profile | Characterized by high energy, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes. Often independent but still finding a place in the world. | Associated with a shift from accumulation to reflection. Generally considered a satisfying time, balancing health with experience. |
| Life Events | Finishing education, starting a first career, moving out, and starting deep relationships. | Children leaving home, potential career shifts, and managing responsibilities for aging parents. |
| Challenges | Making big life decisions and managing independence. | Navigating the empty nest and generational squeeze. |
Conclusion
Understanding what it means to be in your 6th decade of life clarifies that this period covers the years from 50 to 59. This time often involves significant life transitions, from balancing family caregiving to enjoying new freedoms as an 'empty nester.' Rather than a simple chronological marker, this decade presents a unique opportunity for growth, reflection, and embracing a new phase of life with wisdom and purpose. Armed with a clearer understanding of how decades are calculated, you can better appreciate the specific journey that each 10-year period of life represents.
The Journey of the 6th Decade
This decade is a bridge, carrying the wisdom of years past into a future defined by newfound purpose. People often engage in more volunteer work, pursue artistic endeavors, or travel extensively during this time. The phrase "life begins at 60" points to the spirit of renewal and possibility that can define the end of the 6th decade. It’s a period of self-fulfillment, guided by self-awareness gained from navigating different life stages. The 6th decade is less about age and more about a state of mind, emphasizing resilience and the embrace of new potential. For more information on aging and life stages, the National Institute on Aging is a great resource.
