Human Development – From Infancy to Geriatrics

Growth: generally refers to changes in size and structure of a living organism

Development: Development: 1. Generally refers to successive changes in the process of one’s natural growth 2. Occurs through the maturation of physical and mental capacities and learning

Growth and development are ongoing processes beginning at birth and ending at death. Individuals have unique healthcare needs based on their level of development

Health care workers need to be familiar with each developmental stage in order to recognize maladaptive behavior and provide quality healthcare.

Geriatrics According to the U.S. Government on Aging: 1. There are approximately 29 million people aged 65 or older (that’s 12% of the current population) in the U.S. 2. By the year 2030, this number is expected to increase to 20%.

Life Stages

Infancy

1. Physical changes – height and weight (born weighing between 5½ and 10 pounds— generally double weight by 9 months) 2. Muscular and neurological motions – progress from uncoordinated movements of the head and extremities to development of fine motor coordination 3. Teeth – generally born without teeth; usually develop them by the 1styear

4. Vision – poor at birth (capable of focusing on objects 8 to 12 inches from the face), but improves by 1 year to permit a longer range of visual recognition and hand-eye coordination 5. Language – the language of a newborn is the cry; by one month, an infant’s repertoire expands to include throaty or gurgle sounds. 6. Feeding – hungry at irregular intervals; eats every 2 to 3 hours 7. Social being – responds to human voice and touch

Early Childhood

One-Year Old

change from plump baby to leaner more muscular toddler begins to walk & talk ability for passive language (better understanding of what’s being said) tentative sense of independence determined explorer

Two-Year Old

begins to communicate verbally (name, etc.) can usually speak in 3 to 4 word sentences famous for negative behavior “NO!” to everything! temper tantrums will play side by side other children, but does not actively play with them great imitators

Three-Year Old

wants to be just like parents more coordinated than 2-year-olds vocabulary and pronunciation continue to expand climbs stairs with alternating feet can briefly stand on one foot

Four-Year Old

sentences are more complex; speaks well enough for strangers to understand imagination is vivid; line between what is real & imaginary is often indistinct develops fears (common fears: fear of dark, fear of animals, & fear of death)

Five-Year Old

-can hop on one foot & skip -can accurately copy figures -may begin to read -social with other children their age

Late Childhood: Preadolescence (6-12 years)

both large & small muscles well-developed complex motor skills and best visual acuity from independent activities to same sex group activities acceptance by peers very important, develop morals parental approval still important

Adolescence (12-20 years) Can be difficult for both children and any authority figure puberty occurs, can be clumsy extremely concerned with appearance trying to establish self-identity confrontations with authority Learn to be accountable and responsible

Young Adult (20 to 45)

physical development complete, motor coordination complete emotional maturation continues to develop usually learned to accept responsibility for actions & accept criticism usually knows how to profit from errors socially progress from age-related peer groups to people with similar interests

Middle Adulthood (45-55 years)

physical changes begin to occur: hair begins to thin & gray wrinkles appear hearing & vision decrease muscles lose tone main concerns: children, health, job security, aging parents, & fear of aging love & acceptance still take a major role

Late Adulthood (55-60 years)

fastest growing age bracket of society physical deterioration (brittle bones, poor coordination) some memory problems coping with retirement & forms of entertainment very concerned with health & finances significant number become depressed; suicide rate is high

Individual Differences To Take Into Consideration Cultural & Subcultural differencesCultural & Subcultural differences –value systems, rites of passage, rituals Ethnic differencesEthnic differences –skin tones, facial features, language Religious differencesReligious differences Physical differencesPhysical differences –large/small, thin/fat, anomalies, disabilities PersonalitiesPersonalities –predisposition to be outgoing, shy, creative, etc.