An April 9 article on the Web site Newhouse.com quoted Segrist about the changes people experience during their 50s.

According to Segrist, health becomes a dominant concern. Women typically experience menopause during this time, and prostate problems are more common after age 50 in men. Chronic conditions become more prevalent for both sexes.

"People start to realize (they're aging) when, for some reason, the pills are given to them,'' Segrist said. "Something like, 'You know, my parents have taken pills, and I never thought I'd be taking pills now at 52 or 55.'''