Chapter 12 Middle Adulthood

Middle Adulthood The period from mid 40s to early 60s Goals Establishing and adjusting to new family roles Securing economic stability Maintaining a positive self-image Evaluating or redesigning career options Maintaining health

Physical Characteristics Height and weight Muscle and bone development Dentition Development of other body systems

Vital Signs No significant changes in the healthy middle-aged adult’s vital signs as compared with those of a younger adult

Developmental Milestones Sexual development Change of life Menopause Climacteric

Psychosocial Development Erikson’s stage of generativity Establishing and adjusting to new family roles Securing economic stability Maintaining a positive self-image Evaluating or redesigning career options Maintaining health

Cognitive Development Mental ability and memory at peak performance Think in a concrete, pragmatic manner Many seek further education to fulfill personal interests

Moral Development Address personal values and beliefs Spirituality becomes important to some Committed to improving the welfare of others Achieve a balance between personal needs, moral duties, and society’s demands

Nutrition Maintain healthy eating patterns Limit intake of sodium, caffeine, and fats Metabolism slows and weight is redistributed Maintain adequate calcium intake to ensure bone mass, muscle contraction, and blood pressure

Sleep and Rest May need less sleep than at earlier stages Sleep problems may be related to Stress Health problems Lack of physical activity

Exercise and Leisure Maintain regular aerobic exercise Walking Swimming Bicycling Engaging in hobbies of interest

Safety Accident prevention Identify safety issues

Health Promotion Maintain a healthy lifestyle Healthy diet and weight management Regular exercise Regular physical exams

Common Health Concerns High cholesterol Obesity Hypertension Cataracts Glaucoma Fibrocystic breast disease Benign prostatic hypertrophy

Chapter Challenge Explain the term generativity and how it applies to this stage List common signs of menopause Explain the empty nest syndrome