title: The problems and concerns of middle age.
abstract: Middle age is not defined solely by chronological age, but is a product of biological, social, and psychological factors. As a period in the life cycle, middle age poses many obstacles, or developmental tasks, to personal growth. Failure to deal successfully with these tasks may have a negative impact on a person's physical and psychological health. The family physician's role should be to learn the middle-aged patient's problems and concerns, to allow him to express such concerns, and to help place problems in perspective.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Yaffe
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stewart