ADULTHOOD

What physical changes occur during middle and late adulthood?  Our physical abilities, muscular, strength, reaction time, sensory keenness, and cardiac output—all crest by the mid-20’s.  Athletes are often the first to notice this.  In late adulthood women go through menopause— the ending of the menstrual cycle.

Adulthood’s Commimtments  Think of Erikson’s Generativity vs. Stagnation stage. Freud once said that “the healthy adult is the one who can love and work.” Marriage bonds are likely to last when couples marry after age 20 and are well educated. HOWEVER, they are still 2 times as likely to get divorced as people 20 years ago.

More…  Any explanation on the rising divorce rate?

Divorce  Those who cohabit prior to marriage had higher rates of divorce and marital dysfunction than couples that did not cohabit.

Children and Marriage  For most people the birth of children is a very happy event HOWEVER, when children begin to absorb time, money, and emotional energy, satisfaction within the marriage may decline.  This is especially true among working women who carry the traditional burden of doing the chores at home, while also working in their careers.

Career  Career vs. Job In a study of hospital custodians, those who viewed their work as a job wouldn’t work overtime unless they were paid extra. Custodians who viewed work as a career would work for advancement and recognition from superiors. Those who viewed being a custodian as a calling would participate in patient care, talking with patients and helping them get things they needed.