AGING

YOUNG ADULTHOOD (20-40) Goal: To develop intimacy. People at this age are trying to develop close personal relationships. Maturity- The state of being fully grown in a physical sense. Physical Peak- Physical abilities are at their max.

YOUNG ADULTHOOD Emotional Maturity-  Express feelings in a healthy way.  Cope with stress or seeking help.  Enjoy life & continue to change & learn.  Maintaining a positive image of yourself. Factors that affect Physical aging:  Heredity, Healthy behaviors, Availability of good health care, positive attitude, Avoidance of Diseases, injuries, & hazardous situations. Validation- Reassuring a person that their feelings, ideas or decisions are reasonable. Emotional Intimacy- The ability to share your innermost feelings with another person and have a caring, loving relationship.

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD (41-64) Concerns and Relationships:  Generativity: People shift concerns from themselves to others such as community projects, or politics.  Self Evaluation/ Midlife Crisis:  People ask questions about their lives & evaluate them.  Is self evaluation positive or negative?  Relationships:  “ Empty Nest ”  Renew romance, Activities, with friends.

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD Brain: Scientists say that like your muscles, your brain needs exercise to stay healthy. What are some ways that we can keep our brain healthy? Mouth : Teeth and gums can become decayed and diseased without proper care. Brush and floss regularly. It’s important to see a dentist every 6 months. Heart : Lack of physical activity and diet high in saturated fats are known risk factors for heart disease. Skin : Aging skin may become wrinkled, spotted, and dry. Reduce exposure to harmful UV rays by covering up and wearing sunscreen. Avoid/limit tanning bed use. Muscles and Joints: arthritis affects half of those over the age of 65. Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can help keeps joints healthy and pain free.

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD Physical Changes:  Graying and thinning of hair, sight, hearing.  Climacteric: slowing of hormone production. 3-8 years to take place. Women= menopause, Men= lower sexual activity. Ears: Loud sounds take a toll on your hearing. Keep stereo at a low volume and use earplugs when operating noisy equipment. Eyes: Eyesight changes with age. The eyes have more difficulty bringing images into focus. Eating plenty of leafy greens vegetables, controlling blood pressure, and avoiding tobacco use promotes healthy eye health. Also, wearing sunglasses help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

LATE ADULTHOOD (65 +) Physical Changes:  Increased wrinkling, sight, hearing.  Elasticity- How well the skin molds to the body.  Age spots, decrease in height and weight. Physical Diseases:  Immune System: lowers infectious diseases such as pneumonia and the flu are more dangerous.  Parkinson ’ s Disease: 1:100 in people over 60.  The muscle becomes stiff and causes shaky movements.  Arthritis: attack the bodies joints and is extremely painful.  Dementia- Loss of mental abilities, abnormal behaviors and personality changes.

LATE ADULTHOOD CONT..  Alzheimer ’ s Disease: a form of dementia with a degeneration of brain cells. Strokes, bacterial infections etc.  Osteoporosis: Bones become weak and brittle due to loss of calcium. Integrity- The feeling of being complete or content. Retirement:  New activities, reexamine life goals, friends & family.

DEATH AND DYING Hospice: A program that provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for dying people and support for their families. Terminal Illness: An illness that will result in death. Dr. Kubler-Ross ’ 5 stages of dying:  Denial- “ Oh, no, not me. ”  Anger- “ Why me? ”  Bargaining- “ If I stop doing…., then I will get better. ”  Depression- “ I can ’ t do anything, what ’ s the use. ”  Acceptance- “ I know I will die and I have said my goodbyes ” Coping: Accept that the person is dying. Listen to them and make sure that you talk to people about what you are feeling.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS How old is the oldest person alive? How old is the oldest person you know? What did this person do for a living? Why do you believe this person lived to be this old?