Ch.12 Sect.1:Young Adulthood

Age 20-40 During 20s and early 30s… Height of Cognitive Powers Learn to become… Goal for men Women… Reevaluate decisions in 30s Ask themselves… Major life changes Women in their 30s concerned with childbearing Women feel… Mixed feeling about success on the job

Settling Down and Marriage After upheaval of early 30s, mid-late 30s… Become more focused on advancing careers Identity Erikson-key task is forming relationships Those with firm sense of identity… Intimate relationship not necessarily physical 75-80% get married once Median age for marriage

History of Marriage Patriarchy— Today, spouses more likely to be equal Marital roles Most marry for… 1600s-1700s Another purpose was for stable home life Today's goals New York Times poll said…

Choosing Spouses Today people select mates Parents Other factors… Americans tend to marry people who are Rarely marry different races or social class Similarity in… Near own age Grooms 2-5 years older Marriages between similar people… Choosing Spouses

Divorce ½ marriages end Easier than it used to be (no fault) Increased economic independence of women 30 years ago, why would women have not divorced? High expectations (easy) Other reasons include abuse, child abuse,…

Costs of Divorce Financial resources… Women without a career… Women get the kids Fathers tough to pay child support and alimony Feelings of… Higher rates of… Can be source of growth and renewal Majority remarry Remarriages more likely…

The Children of Divorce More likely to have behavioral problems… Less time for kids Boys or girls more problems? Quality of parenting Clarke-Stewart study Psychologists advice parents to… Should parents stay together?

Ch.12 Sect.3: Late Adulthood

Physical Changes Starts at 65 In 1900, 2020 Wrinkles and Skin Folds Do not see or hear well Smell worse, reflexes & reaction time Bones are brittle How can they maintain health?

Cognitive Changes Can still be creative Memory ability does decline Memory lapses Can be reversed Better memory in… Dementia Senile Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease Mental deterioration Connected with aging but is a disease General, gradual… Become helpless ACh Vascular dementia

Social Changes Retirement is usually voluntary Leisure activities “honeymoon phase” After a while… Stress New careers More relaxed relationship with grandkids than their kids Baby-sit! older people usually not rejected by family Stereotypes for living arrangements Most are independent Remain in hometowns Social Changes

Successful Aging Ego integrity— Able to accept… Let go of relationships and objects If they don’t? Most largely satisfied with their lives (good health) Rich vs. poor Social support & well being Who provides it?

Reshaping One’s Life Goals Focus on matters that… Memories not good… Positive outlook Rakowski study Challenge oneself