Insights From Middle Adulthood: A Conversation With Marisa Mabait
Middle adulthood is often described as a stage of transition—physically, emotionally, and socially. To understand this period better, I interviewed the mother of my partner, Mrs. Marisa Mabait, who is currently 46 years old. Her experiences offer a genuine look into the realities of life between the ages of 40 and 60, revealing not only the changes she has gone through, but also the wisdom she hopes to pass on to the younger generation.
Physical Changes and Health Awareness
For Marisa, aging became more noticeable as she entered her 40s. She shared, “Pag edad nako ug 40 kay nagtaba nako… before 40, my weight was 42 kg, but when I reached 40, it slowly became 54 kg and eventually 63 kg.”
Gaining weight was one of the biggest physical changes she observed. Despite this, she maintains her health in a simple but consistent way. She admitted she does not exercise regularly, saying, “Wala ko ga exercise. Nagakaon lang ko ug gulay pirme.” Eating vegetables daily has become her main strategy for staying healthy, showing that even small, steady habits can matter.
Shifting Priorities: Wants vs. Needs
As she matured, her view on wants and needs changed significantly. Her mindset now is practical and grounded: “Mga priority lang jud ang unahon, dili unahon ang dili kailangan.”
This reflects how middle adulthood often brings a stronger focus on necessities especially when family responsibilities grow. For Marisa, unnecessary luxuries take a back seat to what truly matters.
Pride in Accomplishments
When asked about what she is most proud of, Marisa did not mention wealth, achievements, or awards. Instead, she proudly said, “Gitagaan kog mga anak na buotan.”
For her, being blessed with good and respectful children is the greatest accomplishment of her life. It shows how success in middle adulthood is often measured through family and relationships rather than external achievements.
Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Life
Time management is Marisa’s biggest challenge, but also one of her greatest strengths. She explained, “Before ko mulakaw, magluto ko daan para sa akong mga anak, para naa silay makaon before ko muadto sa trabaho.”
Her daily routine reflects the typical reality of many middle-aged parents: balancing responsibilities at home while fulfilling duties at work. The need to multitask becomes essential during this stage of life.
Coping With Emotional Challenges
When facing emotional struggles or life transitions, Marisa turns to faith and communication. “Number one jud is mag pray. Si Lord man jud ang makatabang. Ug dapat naa kay istoryahan para ipagawas imong gibati.”
For her, prayer provides strength, and expressing emotions helps lighten the burden. This highlights the importance of emotional support and spirituality in maintaining well-being during middle adulthood.
Life Lessons Learned
Marisa’s biggest life lesson is simple yet powerful: “Kung kabalo ka na mali, dili na buhaton.”
She believes that recognizing what is wrong, and choosing not to do it—is essential to protecting oneself and others. It reflects a mature understanding of responsibility and consequences, developed through years of experience.
Advice for the Youth
Marisa hopes that young people today, especially her own children, understand the value of education. Her advice is heartfelt:
“Unahon gyud ang pagskwela… para na sa ila. Makakita sila’g trabaho na maayo, dili sila maglisod. Dili parehas sa amoang naagian ba, working student, walay support, sariling sikap.”
She wants the youth to work hard, study well, and choose a path that will give them a better future than what she experienced. Her message reflects the sacrifices and hopes of many parents in middle adulthood.
Conclusion
Through Marisa Mabait’s experiences, we see how middle adulthood shapes a person’s priorities, values, and understanding of life. Her journey shows that beyond the physical changes and responsibilities, this stage is filled with growth, wisdom, and deep reflections.
Her story reminds the youth that while life may be challenging, perseverance, responsibility, and education can create opportunities for a better future, one that she hopes the next generation will fully embrace.
