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		| Liqun  Liu, Andrew J. Rettenmaier and Thomas R. Saving | 
	
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		| ''A rational choice theory of midlife crises'' | 
	
		| ( 2012, Vol. 32 No.1 ) | 
	
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		| This paper models the midlife crisis as a decision on whether and when to realize a life dream, incorporating the key components of three psychology theories of midlife crises. It explains why a crisis (dream realization) tends to occur in the midlife if it occurs at all. Other results include that one either realizes his dream fully or not at all, that a shorter life expectancy makes a midlife crisis more likely, and that “crazier” dreams tend to be postponed to a later time in life. | 
	
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		| Keywords: midlife crisis,  dream,  aging,  death | 
	
		| JEL: A1 - General Economics: General Econ D9 - Intertemporal Choice and Growth: General
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		| | Manuscript Received : Jan 12 2011 |  | Manuscript Accepted : Jan 13 2012 | 
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