Does life begin at 40? Here’s what Bupa’s care home residents think
Wondering how to avoid a midlife crisis? Bupa care home residents share their views on growing older and how your viewpoint can be the start of an empowering new chapter.
Survey results: Does life begin at 40?
The survey results are in.
We surveyed 32 residents across the nation in our care homes to get their views on whether turning 40 marks the start of life really beginning.
47 per cent agreed that life does begin at 40.
53 per cent disagreed.
Though more than half of the residents surveyed believe life doesn’t start during this decade, we found out more when we dug a little further. It turns out, many of our residents don’t believe life begins at 40 because life begins when you embrace it – and you don’t have to wait until your 40s to do that.
Why does life begin at 40?
Reflecting on their 40s, our survey found plenty of optimistic care home residents who looked back fondly.
New beginnings in the fourth decade
For some residents, their 40s marked a time of new beginnings, including career changes, new hobbies, parenthood and travelling.
With growing confidence by their fifth decade, many residents saw their 40s as a time for welcoming new experiences and skills.
Family time
For some residents, their 40s marked the beginning of their journey into parenthood. John, 90, of Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home became a father for the first time in his 40s, welcoming his first daughter.
For one 97-year-old resident at Bupa Mount Hall Care Home, their 40s were the decade that their children flew the nest, where they were able to enjoy new experiences with their partner: “We adapted easily. We went walking around more and enjoyed our time together”.
Career change in your 40s
Our research reinforced that your career isn’t necessarily set in stone by your 40s. In fact, this decade can be a great time to pursue new job opportunities, whether it’s applying for a new role, or training to do something completely new.
Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home’s residents saw the merit of career pivots in their 40s, including sudden promotions, new career path in public relationships and studying to start new professions.
Christine, 83, of Elmwood Bupa Care Home, made a permanent career change in her 40s. She retired and moved abroad.
Hobbies in your 40s
Let Jackie, 77, of Elmwood Bupa Care Home, inspire you if you think that your 40s aren’t for new hobbies: “I embraced my 40s by learning to ice skate. I got too many bruises from roller skating.”
If you don’t see yourself as a skater, Pauline, 96 of Mount Hall Bupa Care Home, suggests exploring independent hobbies, even if it feels like a big step. “I started to go dancing more. Not with my husband, but with a group. Bob wasn’t a dancer.”
Travelling in your 40s
Whether for your job or for leisure, your 40s can be a great decade for travel – as shown by our care home residents. From Spain and Italy to far east Asia, exploring the world can help to embrace other cultures and find out more about yourself.
Pauline, 91, of Mount Hall Bupa Care Home, took advantage of her children flying the nest by enjoying more overseas trips.
Meanwhile, Betty, 91, of Mount Hall shared good holidays with her husband, making the most Spain’s sunshine and beaches.
How to cope with a midlife crisis
If you’re nervous about approaching 40, Bupa’s care home residents have the experience and advice to help embrace your new decade. Here, 20 residents share the advice they would have shared with their 40-year-old selves:
- “Life really does begin at 40. Up until then, you are just doing research.’” Barbra, 85, Pebble Mill Bupa Care Home
- “Age is only a number.” Michael, 80, Newton Court Bupa Care Home
- “Go to more football matches.” Pat, 70, Newton Court Bupa Care Home
- “Don’t let your 40s change the way you live your life.” Colin, 95, Elmwood Bupa Care Home
- “It’s all to do with happiness. If you’re happy with what you’re doing, stick with it!” Bob, 90, Newton Court Bupa Care Home
- “It’s just a number!” Molly, 85, Ashby Court Bupa Care Home
- “Do it your own way.” Teresa, 94, Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home
- “You'll learn as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms and never ever apologise for it.”Alison, 81, Pebble Mill Bupa Care Home
- “Go dancing and ask no questions.” John Whiteacre, 90, Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home
- “The older you are, the more you have to offer.” Brian, 88, Pebble Mill Bupa Care Home
- “Look after yourself” Audrey Robinson, 92, Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home
- “Have respect – not just for others, but also yourself.” Resident of Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home
- “Believe in yourself!” Audrey, 90, Ashby Court Bupa Care Home
- “Come into a care home like this.” Elaine, 96, Newton Court
- “Get out and have fun!” Winnie Skinner, 97, Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home
- “Go to Spain.” Mary, 80, Newton Court Bupa Care Home
- “Enjoy it whilst you can!” Brian, 86, Sutton Lodge Bupa Care Home
- “Keep bright and positive.” Dorothy, 91, Ashby Court Bupa Care Home
- “Keep going, and don’t think about it!” Roger, 85, Ashby Court Bupa Care Home
- “Enjoy life to the full.” Nancy, 86, Ashby Court Bupa Care Home"
Scared of turning 40?
There’s often a stigma associated with turning 40. Whilst other research suggests that your sense of satisfaction and happiness may reach its lowest during your 40s, it’s important to remember that everyone is different.
There’s no one way to experience your 40s
As our research shows, you can embrace life at any age. Unhappiness and dissatisfaction aren’t a foregone conclusion in your 40s! Having a positive disposition, keeping an open mind and saying yes to fun experiences can go a long way, whatever your age.
Other helpful resources
Advice on care homes
Choosing a care home can be difficult. Our helpful, understanding customer care team offer free advice on anything from funding to finding the right home.
Life in a care home
Learn about our care homes, where homely atmospheres, friendships, and a bustling activities calendar form a welcoming community for all residents.
News and information
Stay up to date with the latest news and events across our network of nationwide care homes.
