# Prof. Adam Alter's research on the impact of birthday years ending in 9 is featured

1 Faculty News November 20, 2014 ![ABC News logo](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/con_030868.jpg?itok=uLedGLOd)>

Excerpt from [ABC News](http://abcnews.go.com/Health/birthday-years-ending-prompt-big-life-decisions-study/story?id=27033786) -- "'In general, it's easy to get caught up in big milestones, particularly as we age -- but of course there’s no real difference between turning 30 and turning 29 or 31,' \[[Alter](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/adam-alter)\] said. 'Our culture emphasizes years like 30, 40, 50, and 60, but we shouldn't let that shape how we live our lives.'"

[Read more](http://abcnews.go.com/Health/birthday-years-ending-prompt-big-life-decisions-study/story?id=27033786)

Additional coverage appeared on [The Globe and Mail](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/29-39-49-why-we-make-our-biggest-decisions-the-years-before-big-milestones/article21682008/), [io9](http://io9.com/does-positive-thinking-really-make-our-lives-better-1661658148), [Marie Claire Australia](https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/marie-claire/work-and-wellbeing/health-and-fitness/a/25592771/the-age-youre-most-likely-to-have-a-midlife-crisis-will-surprise-you/), [New Republic](http://www.newrepublic.com/article/120320/we-make-major-decisions-29-39-49-etc), [New York Magazine](http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/11/49-the-age-guys-are-most-likely-to-cheat.html), [Prevention](http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/emotional-health/most-common-ages-midlife-crisis) and [The Washington Post](http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/11/21/why-the-most-meaningful-ages-end-with-9-as-in-39/?tid=hp_mm).