AP Psychology: Human Development Adulthood

Periods of Adulthood Emerging Adulthood 18-25 Years Mid-twenties to thirties Period 1: Early Adulthood 40-65 Period 2: Middle Adulthood 65 & Older Period 3: Late Adulthood

Physical Changes Early Adulthood Middle Adulthood Late Adulthood Deterioration & slowing of body systems (digestion/blood-flow to the brain decreases) Need for more frequent naps and bedtimes tend to get earlier. Middle Adulthood Loss of sensory sharpness Reduction in fertility, bone mass, risk of heart disease increases Early Adulthood Physical growth continues Physical “prime of life.”

Adulthood Cognitive Abilities Cognitive abilities continue to improve until late adulthood Late adulthood is marked by decline in certain cognitive abilities

Early & Middle Adulthood Cognitive Abilities Early & Middle Adulthood Until about age 60, adults gain new info, learn new skills & refine old skills. Perform best on complex tasks (reasoning, memory, vocab). Good at making rational decisions/relating logic to actions, emotions, etc. Thinking becomes dialectical (understand knowledge is relative, not absolute).

Late Adulthood Cognitive Abilities Experience helps older adults deal with situations more effectively. Ability to think deeply and wisely about life. May develop wisdom: achieving balance & knowing about the meaning & conduct of life.

Decline in Cognitive Abilities Decline doesn’t occur until after age 65 Affected Abilities: Fast manipulation of ideas/symbols Active thinking/reasoning Sheer Mental Effort Difficulty performing unfamiliar tasks due to amount of information to sift through Memory Difficulties: Episodic memory most affected Semantic memory remains intact.

Decline in Cognitive Abilities Factors that MAINTAIN cognitive abilities throughout adulthood: Genetics DO NOT USE tobacco or alcohol Healthy diet Education, income and occupation Stimulating environment Mental exercise

Decline in Cognitive Abilities Greatest threat to cognitive abilities in late adulthood is Alzheimer’s Disease Course of the disease: Emotionally “flat” Disoriented & Mentally Vacant Women & well-educated deteriorate more slowly 3% of population will suffer from Alzheimer’s by 75.

Alive Inside While viewing the documentary answer the following: Why are musical memories so strong in humans? If music seems to help those with forms of dementia why isn’t it more widely used as part of treatment? What capability does the cerebral cortex have at 6 months of development? What does the aging community need for the best quality care/treatment?

Social Development In Adulthood Follow adolescence (18-25 years) Life exploration takes place Emerging Adulthood Psychological well being improves Most resolve the stage by 21 Resolving Erikson’s “Identity Crisis” Influenced by interest, gender, family background, and previous work experience. Choosing a Career Path

Social Development in Adulthood Middle Adulthood Modify Relationships Generativity vs. Stagnation Late Adulthood Retirement adjustments Awareness of death/life review Ego vs. Ego Despair Terminal Drop