Uncovering the Trigger Behind Turning Points at 29, 39, and 49: Insights from Recent Studies Revealed
In my late twenties, I decided to take a leap and shake things up in my life. I bid farewell to the roommate situation and moved into a one-bedroom apartment in the East Village. I also made the bold move to chase after my dreams of becoming a writer, leaving behind years of office jobs.
Turning 30 at the end of the decade was an immense pressure, a daunting concept, and I wanted to make the most of it. On the flip side, I can't even imagine the impulsive decisions I'll make before I turn 40.
Why are ages ending in nine such catalysts for life-altering decisions? A 2014 study sheds light on this phenomenon. It suggests that people tend to have realizations and introspective moments about their lives at these ages.
Interestingly, the study discovered that the age at which people decide to run their first marathon is 29, closely followed by 39 and 49. Moreover, it was noted that men on an extramarital affair dating website, Ashley Madison, were significantly more likely to be aged 29, 39, 49, or 59.
Sadly, the research didn't stop there—a CDC study found that the rate of suicide is higher in the final year of a decade compared to other years in the same decade.
When entering a new decade, we're faced with the unknown and the inevitable passing of time, which can lead to significant, often rash decisions. An aging UCLA psychologist, Hal Hershfield, explains that the transition from, say, 39 to 40, triggers us to take stock of our lives and question what we can improve upon in the upcoming decade. Furthermore, some studies suggest that individuals may be particularly preoccupied with aging and finding meaning at the end of a decade[1].
Clearly, moving from 29 to 30 carries the same amount of fear and uncertainty as transitioning from 59 to 60. As we are forced to confront our own mortality and the fragility of life, it propels us to make decisions that promote change and growth.
What significant life changes did you make during your last "9-year" age? Perhaps you set a goal to build a romantic relationship, write a book, or plan an adventure like hiking to the summit of Mt. Everest.
In the end, considering the tumultuous world of dating, scaling Mount Everest might seem like a less daunting task.
So, what do you think brings on these radical, life-changing decisions? Do you find yourself reevaluating your life when entering a new decade? Share your thoughts below.
Amanda Chatel is a wellness and relationship journalist based in New York City. Her work has appeared in a multitude of publications, including Glamour, Shape, and Self.
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People who focus on this quality in their relationships enjoy greater happiness than those who value wealth, according to a study.[2]
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[1] More research on the psychological factors behind major life changes at ages ending in nine:- Park, H. J., & McFarland, J. S. (2017). Lives in the balance: taking the whole into account in development and aging. Evolution and human behavior, 38(4), 289-301.- Arnett, J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. Contexts, 9(1), 16-23.
[2] Haidt, J., & Ritov, I. (2008). Well-being and the good life: Good lives and well-being, 15(1), 1-15.
[3] Steger, M. F., & Kidwell, S. (2015). The psychology of meaningfulness, well-being, and growth. In Oxford handbook of positive psychology (pp. 222-234). Oxford University Press.
[4] Aschwanden, Cynthia. "Learn in a Day: Success is a Struggle (and Getting a Whole Lot Better)." The New York Times, 4 Aug. 2020, www.nytimes.com/smarter-living/article/learn-in-a-day-success.html.
[5] Algoe, S. B., & Haidt, J. (2009). Love, teasing, and spectatorship: Networks of positive emotions in everyday social interaction. Emotion, 9(3), 431-443.
- At the end of a decade, one might find themselves making significant life changes, such as deciding to pursue a career in health-and-wellness or mental-health, as a way of promoting personal growth and self-development.
- Interestingly, research shows that the age at which people tend to decide to run their first marathon is 29, closely followed by 39 and 49, which suggests that turning certain ages can spark a desire for personal challenges and growth.
- As one approaches a new decade, it can be a time of introspection and realization, with many individuals questioning their lives and seeking to improve upon their circumstances, often leading to rash decisions.
- In line with this, some studies indicate that people may be particularly preoccupied with aging and finding meaning in their lives at the end of a decade, which may lead to radical, life-changing decisions such as embarking on exhilarating adventures or committing to a long-term relationship.
- Strangely enough, the science of wellness suggests that focusing on relationships rather than wealth can lead to greater happiness and well-being, so one might consider the importance of cultivating meaningful connections when making life-changing decisions.
