By Lisa Fiore 1

 How are human development theories actualized in daily life?  Who are the stakeholders in the interest of successful lifespan development?  What are some current concerns in the field of lifespan development?  How does history inform current practices?  What are some careers for people interested in lifespan development?  How can people successfully advocate for others?  Where is the intersection between legislation and lifespan development? 2

“Now what?”  What can you do to interpret and apply what you have learned?  How can you apply what you have learned to plan your future? 3

How are human development theories actualized in daily life? 4

 The way you put a theory into practice may be more or less direct, depending on the theory 5

The field has experienced tremendous growth in the past century  Examples of fields incorporating lifespan development: ◦ advertising executive ◦ business manager ◦ human resources administrator  As you think about careers that interest you, what might be some future directions for the field of lifespan development? 6

Who are the stakeholders in the interest of successful lifespan development? 7

Stakeholder : ◦ Individual who is affected by the actions of a larger group or organization Global community: ◦ Consideration of all humans in the world as being closer because of advances in technology and communication ◦ People are united in common interests relating to health and basic freedoms 8

The growth of the field of lifespan development ◦ Convergence of interests (political, social, economic) ◦ Makes this a unique time in history – one rich with opportunity, but also fraught with controversy 9

What are some current concerns in the field of lifespan development? 10

What are the current concerns? ◦ Education of children ◦ Poverty How do we address them? ◦ “Universal responsibility” 11

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How does history inform current practices? 13

Focus has shifted from what different human need programs do to visible outcomes  Become a change agent: ◦ Someone who helps bring about change to better human lives or conditions 14

How to become a change agent: ◦ Live firmly planted in the present but are aware of future possibilities and needs ◦ Find inspiration in their work and, in turn, motivate others to join the effort ◦ Understand people and acknowledge them as the most important resource 15

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Leadership relating to Lifespan Development is in many arenas, including: ◦ psychology ◦ public health ◦ politics Leadership involves: ◦ coordinating existing networks of individuals and organizations ◦ reaching local, state, and national levels to advance specific interests 17

Helping professions relate to people’s well being in these areas: ◦ Physical ◦ Cognitive ◦ Psychological ◦ Intellectual ◦ Social-emotional ◦ Spiritual 18

What are some careers for people interested in lifespan development? 19

Knowledge of lifespan development is beneficial in many fields, including: ◦ Public Service ◦ Mental Health ◦ Business ◦ Medicine ◦ Elderly Services ◦ Criminal Justice ◦ Communications 20

Training for careers in lifespan development: ◦ Specific coursework relating to psychology ◦ A human development specialist Graduate degrees: ◦ Master’s degree ◦ Doctoral degree 21

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Money magazine listed the top 10 jobs in America  Several are jobs in helping profession: ◦ Physician assistant ◦ College professor ◦ Nurse practitioner ◦ Physical therapist Others have an indirect relationship to lifespan development 23

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 Different jobs require different levels of accountability to one’s self and to the public  Social responsibility  How will you be held accountable to yourself and others? 25

How can people successfully advocate for others? 26

Advocate: ◦ To actively work on behalf of a person, cause, or idea Surveying the Landscape: ◦ The impact of small changes, however, can be quite large  Throughout history, individuals have taken steps to advocate for people who are unable to pursue their own best interests, often at personal cost 27

Where is the intersection between legislation and lifespan development? 28

Policy: ◦ Course of action to guide and determine decisions ◦ Typically emerges as a response to a specific problem that has been identified through advocacy efforts  Policies exist on federal, state, and local levels 29

 Legislation often stem from tragic events and personal experiences, in attempts to protect the greater good ◦ IDEA – The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ◦ Matthew Shepard Act ◦ Title IX  You may be inspired to affect change in the capacity that best fits your needs and interests  You are the protagonist in your own lifespan – so let the curtain rise as a new chapter begins 30

 You may be inspired to affect change in the capacity that best fits your needs and interests  You are the protagonist in your own lifespan  So let the curtain rise as a new chapter begins 31