GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT IN ADULTHOOD Human Growth and Development -NUR 311- GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT IN ADULTHOOD Lecture 9

. Young Adulthood Stages of Development Has best physical condition: strong, sharp senses, and stamina. Memory and thinking (cognitive) abilities are at their highest.  

. Physical, Cognitive, Social, and Personality Desire to be socially independent Occupation selection Selecting a life-partner Starting a family Accepting responsibilities

. Middle Adulthood Stages of Development Loss of strength, vision sharpness, strength, and coordination. Cognitive → shows an average memory loss and a reduced ability to perform tasks requiring speed. The social and personality development → "mid-life crisis" which heralds the reevaluation of one's life goals By this point in life, career and family are well established People feel satisfaction and self-worth, or sense much of life has been wasted

. Late Adulthood Stages of Development Marked by menopause and osteoporosis, a reduction in bone density, less skin elasticity, and a loss of muscle mass resulting in an increase of body fat. Cognitively→ memory and mobility tends to decrease. Many people relax, enjoying the fruits of their labour Children and grandchildren become the focus of attention

. Physical, Cognitive, Social, and Personality depression that may go untreated. a period of readjustment to changes in their body Retirement financial status change loss of a spouse.

HEALTH IN LATE ADULTHOOD Many elderly lead healthy lives However, aging adults face many possible health changes Dementias are progressive impairment of mental functioning Reversible dementias can be caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, and toxins. Multiple infarct dementia, usually caused by one or two small strokes, and Alzheimer’s disease are forms of irreversible dementia

HEALTH IN LATE ADULTHOOD Alzheimer’s disease involves memory loss, language deterioration, poor visual/spatial skills, and an indifferent attitude As the population grows older, the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease increases Because Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, its progression cannot be stopped To date, there is no fully effective method of prevention, treatment or cure

FIGURE 12.3 INCIDENCE OF DEMENTIA, BY AGE, CAUSED BY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE OR STROKES, CANADA 1991-1992

PHYSICAL CHANGES IN ADULTHOOD Today most people live well into their seventies Physical development in adulthood is slower than childhood and adolescence, but changes do occur

→ In general, overall fitness deteriorates gradually from age 30. FITNESS CHANGES → In general, overall fitness deteriorates gradually from age 30. SENSORY CHANGES → In early adulthood, most sensory abilities remain stable → Eventually, adults must contend with almost inevitable sensory loss

SEXUAL CHANGES Sexual desires are sometimes moderated by the stresses of raising a family and other work For women, menopause occurs around age 50 At about the same age, men’s testosterone levels decrease

Theories of Aging One heredity theory of aging is based on the study of apoptosis, the process by which cells kill themselves Lifestyle factors affect how long a person will live It is reasonable to assume external factors such as disease, smoking, and obesity may affect a person’s lifespan Physiological theories rely on both hereditary and environmental factors

SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT IN ADULTHOOD Younger adults focus on identity, careers, intimate relationships and parenthood Middle-age adults focus on caring for children and older parents, dealing with role changes and planning for retirement Older adults address changing roles, retirement, loss of friends or spouse, changing friendships, physical change and death Personality remains stable over time but there are greater personal challenges and opportunities as one ages

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ADULT STAGES Women follow life stages similar to those of men Women are taught different values, goals and approaches to life Women must deal with multiple roles and responsibilities Friendships between women and men differ Women see age 40 as a time to reassess while some men view age 40 as a last chance at youth

Ageism Ageism is prejudice against the elderly, and the discrimination it leads to. People seen through positive stereotypes are less likely to suffer discrimination

The Final Transition: Dying People’s overall health deteriorates with age Thanatology is the study of the psychological and medical aspects of death and dying

STAGE THEORIES OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT Stage 5 of Erikson’s theory is identity vs. role confusion (Adolescence) Adolescents are in search of an identity that will lead them to adulthood. "Who am I?" If the child over comes earlier conflicts they are prepared to search for identity.

STAGE THEORIES OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT Stage 6 is intimacy vs. isolation (Young Adulthood) The most important events are love relationships An individual who has not developed a sense of identity usually will fear a committed relationship and may retreat into isolation.

STAGE THEORIES OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT The crisis in Stage 7 revolves around generativity vs. stagnation (Middle Adulthood) Does the adult have the ability to care and guide the next generation? Each adult must have some way to satisfy and support the next generation.

STAGE THEORIES OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT In Stage 8, ego integrity vs. despair (Late Adulthood) The most important event at this stage is coming to accept one's whole life and reflecting on that life in a positive manner. Accepting responsibility for your life and being able to undo the past and achieve satisfaction with self is essential. The inability to do this results in a feeling of despair.