Allison Aubrey, an esteemed science and health reporter for NPR News and a contributor to CBS Sunday Morning, has explored the topic of aging through her first book, “Your Turn: How to Create a Midlife You Love.” In her discussions, she redefines the conventional idea of life’s progression from learning, earning, to retiring, proposing instead a model of “learn, earn, return.” This perspective emphasizes a return to one’s playful side, intuition, and personal identity as individuals reach midlife.
Aubrey highlights the importance of self-reflection during this stage, suggesting that many women face similar questions of identity, purpose, and physical changes as they did in early adulthood. She calls this a time of “second adolescence,” where individuals must engage deeply with these inquiries to find meaning in their lives beyond the demands of work and parenting.
The conversation touches on “anticipatory anxiety,” a state of mind that detracts from present awareness, often fueled by societal pressures and deadlines. To foster intuition and meaningful self-care, Aubrey encourages individuals to focus on nurturing connections and pursuing activities that instill a sense of purpose—research supports that such connections can enhance well-being at a cellular level.
In summary, Aubrey’s work encourages embracing midlife transitions, leveraging prior experiences to carve out new paths, and cultivating a life filled with creativity and joy.
