Question & non-answer
Posted by Rube on June 18, 2004
In Reply to: "Life begins at 40" posted by ESC on June 18, 2004
: : : HI. Thanks for your help.
: : : I'm developing a thesis that midlife and midlife crises and the idea of a rich and meaningful middle years (35 to 60) really emerged in the U.S. only in the last 50 years. The 1900 census only considered peole in the age range 19-44!
: : : so I am looking for when the phrase "life begins at 40" entered the culture. It seems to be a common cliche today. But when did peopel start saying it? Any help on this one?
: : : Thanks again
: : : Please write me directly.
: : : Philip Belove.
: : I think they started in January 2003 in preparation for November that year. At least that's what I noticed.
: I'll check my references this evening and post if I find anything.
"The 1900 census only considered peole in the age range 19-44!"
What do you mean by this?
As to the saying "Life begins at 40" I don't know that it is any more of a popular phrase than "at 50" or "at 60". In fact, I am sure I have heard it less than either of those two figures.
My favorite was a sticker I saw that covered the lower half of a motorcycle's speedometer - "Life begins at 65"
- Life begins at 40 from the 1940's Word Camel 18/June/04
- Life begins at 40 from the 1940's ESC 18/June/04
- Life begins at 40 from the 1940's Bob 22/June/04
- Life begins at 40 from the 1940's ESC 18/June/04