Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Developmental Psychology 62  Adulthood

◦ Developmental changes continue throughout adulthood ◦ Taking on adult responsibilities in work and social relationships ◦ Challenges: love & work Developmental Psychology Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Adulthood 63

 Physical development ◦ Growth and strength in early adulthood, then slow process of decline afterwards  Speed and endurance  Vision and ability to see in weak lighting  Hearing and detection of tones  Taste – intact until later in life; men tend to lose hearing and taste earlier than women ◦ Decline affected by health and lifestyles Developmental Psychology Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Adulthood 64

 Cognitive development ◦ Continues throughout adulthood; some abilities improve while others decline  intelligence peaks in 20s - 24s, declines thereafter  Crystallized intelligence improves until 30s; then declines slowly afterwards  Overall, individual rates vary depending on lifestyle and health Developmental Psychology Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Adulthood 65

 Emotional and social development ◦ Many aspects of personality are fairly stable over time.  On average, adults become  less anxious and emotional, socially outgoing, and creative  People become more dependable, agreeable, and accepting of life’s hardships  Gender differences lessen over time Developmental Psychology Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Adulthood 66

 Early adulthood Intimacy versus isolation (17 to 45 years) Developmental Psychology Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Adulthood 67

 Middle adulthood Generativity versus stagnation (45-65 years) ◦ Female sexual ability to reproduce declines ◦ Mid-life depression Developmental Psychology Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Adulthood 68

 Later adulthood Integrity versus despair (age 65 and onward) ◦ many have healthy years after retirement Developmental Psychology Dr. Mohsen Lotfy Ahmed Adulthood 69