Stages of the Lifespan Adulthood and old age

Key KNoWLeDGe the different classifications of the stages of adulthood • Characteristics of physical development during adulthood, including the physiological changes associated with ageing • the social, emotional and intellectual development associated with the stages of adulthood and ageing • the health status of Australia’s adults, including the similarities and differences between adult males and females.

Adulthood adulthood In Australia the lifespan stage from age 18 years onwards and a time of continuing physical, social, emotional and intellectual change.

Adulthood Draw a body in the middle of the page (not too big). Divide the space around the body into 4 sections. In Section1: define Adulthood: what does adulthood mean to you? Expand, add dot points to indicate some differences between Adolescence and Childhood, to adulthood. In section 2: write down as many health issues as they can think of. In section 3: write as many stresses as they can think of In section 4: write down a list examples of the 4 types of development as occurring in adulthood.

Three stages of adulthood early adulthood (18–39years) middle adulthood (40–64 years) later adulthood or old age (65+ years).

Early Adulthood Early adulthood marks the transition from youth and the establishment of an increasingly independent identity.

Turning 18 Turning 18 is a milestone event in the lives of Australians. 1 What significant activities and responsibilities does an 18-year- old have compared to a 16-year-old? 2 Discuss the change in responsibilities as you make the transition between youth and adulthood. 3 What changes and responsibilities are you looking forward to when you become an adult? 4 What, if anything, are you not looking forward to as you head towards this lifespan stage?

Physical development

Completes growth, reaches maximum height Adulthood is the longest stage of the lifespan Early adulthood-18- 39 Completes growth, reaches maximum height Maximum muscle strength , peak physical condition including eye sight and senses Reach peak bone density Body is in a maintenance stage Metabolism slows Many women have children in early adulthood.

Middle adulthood Covers ages 40-64 yrs Continued maintenance staged, with decline towards the end of stage Aging becomes apparent during this stage E.g. Grey hair( loss of pigment), wrinkles, baldness Changes in fat distribution, more fatty tissue around stomach and breast in women- linked with menopause Men increase fat around waist Reduce height- vertebrae compression Reduced eye sight- lens less flexible Reduced taste buds-preference for salty sweet foods Reduced hearing

Menopause Is cessation of menstruation Commonly occurs between 45-55 yrs Women can experience a range of symptoms as a result of reduced levels of oestrogen and progesterone Symptoms include: Joint and muscle aches and pains, Osteoporosis, increased facial hair, Thinning of scalp and pubic hair, dry skin, reduced saliva, increase gingivitis, dry vagina and sexual difficulties

Old Age Aged 65 and onwards This stage is when body function is declining Increase chance of having degenerative disease: arthritis, hypertension, osteoporosis Ability to absorb calcium declines- osteoporosis – fractures- refer pg 244 Reduced cartilage- arthritis reduced mobility, pain Reduced speed nervous system, nerves cells reduced Reduced sense. Sight ,hearing, taste Gums recede- causing tooth loss

Reduced reflexes and muscle tone and mass Skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity problems digesting food and eliminating waste due reduced muscle tone in digestive track Difficulty eating due to decreased saliva and poor dental health BMR reduces

Social and emotional development

Early adulthood Financial independence Long term relationships- friends family partners Friends remain important, usually smaller circle of friends Intimate partners- emotional bonds, become committed to someone, give and receive emotional and social support. Contribute to society via sporting clubs, community and social organisations

Middle adulthood Childrearing – nurturing, pass on skills, knowledge, values and attitudes Raising children may lead to changing roles, lifestyle, family focused Later stages- children leave home, may become grandparents, provide advice for adult children Adjust to physiological changes

Retirement Somewhere between 60-65 Some continue to work part time Changing role can be difficult New daily routine- more time with family and to socialise, may feel isolated as no with work friends Reduced income May wish to down size home May buy into retirement village May relocate to holiday areas Dealing with aging parents, careers role, may live in own home

Intellectual Development Early adulthood-18- 39 Able to get your drivers licence -finishing secondary school and either going on to university, TAFE, a traineeship or full-time employment.

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