Historical Change in Midlife Development From a Cross-National Perspective

Abstract

We summarize empirical evidence documenting that (a) U.S. middle-aged adults have displayed historical trends of elevations in loneliness and depressive symptoms and declining memory and physical health and (b) this pattern is largely confined to the United States and not observed in peer nations. A conceptual model is provided to detail possible explanations for these historical trends. We also discuss future directions to explore whether similar historical trends are transpiring across population subgroups and low- and middle-income nations, and we identify psychosocial resources for promoting resilience. This timely article sheds light on midlife development from a cross-national and historical perspective.