Get more from Deborah Heiser in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the app Originally Published on https://deborahheiserphd.substack.com/

As The Right Side of 40 has grown, I’ve started building out a few spaces and resources for readers who want to go deeper — not just read, but engage more fully with the ideas here. Paid subscribers now have access to: Office Hours — live, small-group Q&A conversations Monthly deep dives — longer pieces […]

Key pointsNurturing usefulness from a young age is imporant. Embrace meaningful engagements in retirement. We need to feel useful from toddlerhood through adulthood. As we wend our way from toddlerhood to older adulthood, we have a desire to be useful. It’s a fundamental aspect of human experience that evolves as we traverse different stages of […]

Get more from Deborah Heiser in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the app Originally Published on https://deborahheiserphd.substack.com/

Key pointsMidlife offers an opportunity to become especially significant—to oneself and others. Generativity is a point of emotional fulfillment and personal growth, with its focus on giving back. Generativity is a way of creating a legacy during midlife. Have you ever paused to reflect on the meaningful life experiences that you’ve accomplished on your life’s […]

Key pointsIt’s a mistake to think that mentoring is only for the young and inexperienced. You don’t need to be an expert in some field to be a great mentor. Lateral mentoring from those in different fields is especially rewarding at midlife. Mentoring is a path to self-improvement, skill development, and expertise. Yet, there are […]

Key pointsPlan for retirement early. Because you are more than your job, do an identity check. In order to enjoy retirement, get regular health examinations starting well before you retire. Imagine you are retiring. What comes to mind? For some, it is a fantasy of relaxation, travel, time with family, and pursuing hobbies. For others, […]

Key pointsTalk to your friends, family, or a therapist. Get involved in activities that you enjoy and that connect you with others. Learn as much as you can about aging and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. Make a plan for your future, including your finances, health care, and housing. When you think […]

Key pointsThere are challenges and benefits to becoming an empty nester. Social isolation is a real risk for empty nesters. Empty nests require parents to forge a new relationship to themselves as well as to their children. The parenting journey is an incredible, transformative experience marked by milestones and memories. As children mature and venture […]

Key pointsBetter to give than to receive—it’s actually true Giving leads to legacy. Giving can change the world. The impact of giving is greater than receiving. Would you give away your most precious possession? Something that held tremendous meaning and personal value to you? Giving things away can be a meaningful and fulfilling experience, especially […]