women: a new generation 55+

I first began thinking about this some years ago while in a waiting room thumbing through a magazine which depicted ‘how to look good in your 20’s, your 30’s, your 40’s and your 50’s….there was no next page. I assumed someone had removed it. I checked the page numbers but no pages were missing. Well, I see – apparently women cannot look good in their 60’s or past that number.

I realize this view is changing. I see we use ‘older’ women models in magazines but it is still an unusual occurrence. The older woman has in our society been seen as a nonsexual being, sometimes described by women themselves as invisible.

what matters at this point in a woman’s life is her own view of herself…

And this she must now develop on her own. For women are in a new age.   It is of course not just about how a woman looks or presents herself; it is about who she is and how she sees herself and what she wants. The generations before us could not always provide definition of an admirable role model, as their lives typically were shorter or their health less robust and perhaps their roles more narrow. Women must now create their own choices in moving forward, externally and internally. But no matter where life finds a woman in this phase, women are still desiring their next chapter to be a full, rich life. And women need strength and boldness to be able to do so as they initiate this next phase.

Living longer and healthier lives has led us all to this new next chapter, especially for women.   The focus of therapy here tends towards a redefining of oneself, developing a new perspective and taking the opportunity to express oneself more freely towards the creation of a life one wants to live.

chicago psychologist

I am Dr. Suraleah Michaels, a licensed clinical psychologist, located in Chicago. I provide adult individual psychotherapy as well as couples, relationship and marital counseling. My specialties include coaching and consulting for entrepreneurs; coaching and consulting to professionals in transition; and a focus on the New Generation of Women 55-Plus.

chicago psychologist