Age 40-65 Physical development Middle Adulthood Age 40-65 Physical development

Physical Qualities and Changes Skin wrinkles Hair may thin and start to turn gray Age spots appear Teeth may become more yellow Nails thicken and become more brittle

Menopause Reproductive capacity is lessoned or sometimes lost for men and women, this is called climacteric. Women experience perimenopause a few years before. Hot flashes are common with this. Periods will become irregular and eventually stop.

Climacteric Continued For men it happens gradually and many men can father into older adulthood. Men experience a decline in testosterone and women experience a decline in estrogen. This can cause mood swings for both.

Changes in Sensory Skills Diminished hearing occurs. The loss of visual acuity or sharpness is more noticeable. Presbyopia (difficulty seeing close up) becomes an issue and many people need reading glasses or bifocals.

Changes in Muscle Mass and Bone Density Sarcopenia is the term for loss of muscle mass and bone density. Men and women see more fat tissue collect around the stomach area. Women notice more fat tissue in the hips and thighs than in years past. A calcium deficiency called osteoporosis is common in women so women need plenty of calcium. Physical activity can reduce the effects of aging.

Nutrition, Sleep, and Physical Activity Extra weight can complicate health issues. It can also be hard on ones knees and back. The average person will gain 10 to 20 pounds (1 to 2 lbs. a year) throughout middle age without a healthy diet and exercise plan. Reducing calorie intake by 100 calories a day and taking daily walks helps. Adults still need 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Medical Care Regular annual exams remain important. Certain health screenings are recommended at specific ages. Mammograms (breast exam) for women who turn 40. If there is a history of certain family illnesses or cancer then other screenings will be important. For instance, colonoscopies are done at age 50 for anyone who has a family history of colon cancer. Continue with 2 dental visits per year and an eye visit.

Health and Disease Diabetes and arthritis are examples of chronic illnesses that are common in middle adulthood. Cancer and heart disease are more common with aging. Heredity and environment play a role. Nutrition, lifestyle, stress factors, and exercise all play key roles as well. Prevention measures are key!

Checkpoint Questions 1- What age range is middle adulthood? 2- What key bodily changes can be expected in middle adulthood? 3- What are the symptoms on menopause? 4- What is osteoporosis? What nutrient helps with this issue? 5- How can adults decrease the risk of gradual weight gain? 6- List 2 screenings or exams that doctors recommend for this age.