Module 11 Objective 11-1 Physical Changes in Middle Adulthood
Muscular strength, reaction time, sensory abilities, and cardiac output begin to decline in the late twenties. Usually noticeable in athletic people.
Menopause: The time of natural cessation of menstruation; also refers to the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines. Around age 50, menopause ends women's period of fertility, but they may continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life. Most women do not experience depression of other psychological problems with menopause.
Men do not undergo a similar sharp drop in hormone levels of fertility. Although they do experience a more gradual decline in sperm count and testosterone level.
Some experience psychological distress related to their perception and declining in physical capacities.