Health Through the Life Span Think about some happy, healthy older adults you know. What characteristics do they share? How do these characteristics contribute to their positive attitude?

In this lesson, you will learn to: Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you will learn to: Describe the physical, mental/emotional, and social transitions that occur during middle and later adulthood Identify lifestyle behaviors and health programs that promote health and prevent disease

Transitions in Middle Adulthood Erikson’s seventh developmental stage is middle adulthood, encompassing the ages from 40 to 65. These years are often full of transitions. Physical transitions Mental transitions Emotional transitions Social transitions

Physical Transitions Middle Adulthood People in middle adulthood experience physical changes as their bodies begin to age. Skin loses its elasticity, the functioning of the body’s organs slows, and the body’s immune system becomes less effective. Females experience menopause around ages 45 to 55.

Mental Transitions Middle Adulthood Just as exercise strengthens the muscles, mental activities strengthen the brain. Solving puzzles, reading, and playing board games provide mental stimulation. An adult who “exercises” his or her brain remains mentally active. People reach middle adulthood with a great deal of knowledge and experience, which they can use to pursue new interests.

Emotional Transitions Middle Adulthood Emotional Transitions The midlife crisis for some individuals results from questions and concerns about: Having met their goals. Feeling loved and valued. Having made a positive difference in the lives of others. Keeping the health triangle in balance and continuing to set goals along the way will help people avoid these concerns.

Social Transitions Middle Adulthood Many adults of this age are faced with the death of a parent or the empty-nest syndrome with their children growing up and leaving home. People who maintain healthy relationships with family and friends have less difficulty adjusting to these changes. For many, this is a time to apply their talents and life experience to community and social programs.

Goals of Older Adults Late Adulthood Erikson’s final stage of development, late adulthood, occurs after age 65. One of the goals of people at this stage is to look at life with satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Older adults evaluate the events of their lives and their achievements. If they have lived their lives with integrity, they are likely to be satisfied.

Expanding Opportunities in Late Adulthood Many adults look forward to retirement so that they can pursue new interests. Others choose to continue to work or even change careers. For many, volunteering is another way of staying active.

Public Health Policies and Programs for Older Adults Late Adulthood Public Health Policies and Programs for Older Adults The government offers Medicare to people 65 years of age and older and Medicaid to people with low incomes and limited resources. Many workers must plan for their own retirement with personal or company-run long-term savings plans. Through use of these funds in conjunction with Social Security benefits, the poverty rate for older adults has been reduced.

Q. Which of the following does people in middle adulthood face? Quick Review Q. Which of the following does people in middle adulthood face? no time to themselves. physical, mental, and emotional transitions. more financial insecurity. less awareness of their role in the world.

Quick Review - Answer A. People in middle adulthood face the following: physical, mental and emotional transitions. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Choose the appropriate option. Q. Many adults face the empty- nest syndrome after their children grow up and leave home. True False

Quick Review - Answer A. True. Many adults face the empty-nest syndrome after their children grow up and leave home. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Choose the appropriate option. Q. Integrity refers to going your own way without regard to how your actions affect others. True False

A. False. Integrity refers to a firm adherence to a moral code. Quick Review - Answer A. False. Integrity refers to a firm adherence to a moral code. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Q. Which of the following is specific example of the relationship between health decisions made as a teen and disease prevention later in life? eating healthy and exercising help inhibit high blood pressure. eating snacks helps inhibit obesity. playing the dating field keeps stress and boredom from setting in. skipping breakfast decreases hunger during the day.

A. 1. eating healthy and exercise help inhibit high blood pressure. Quick Review - Answer A. 1. eating healthy and exercise help inhibit high blood pressure. A specific example of the relationship between health decisions made as a teen and disease prevention later in life is healthy eating and exercise help inhibit high blood pressure. Click Next to attempt another question.

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Transitions in Middle Adulthood Erikson’s seventh developmental stage is middle adulthood, encompassing the ages from 40 to 65. These years are often full of transitions. Physical transitions Mental transitions Emotional transitions Social transitions A transition is a critical change that occurs at all stages of life.

Social Transitions Middle Adulthood Many adults of this age are faced with the death of a parent or the empty-nest syndrome with their children growing up and leaving home. People who maintain healthy relationships with family and friends have less difficulty adjusting to these changes. For many, this is a time to apply their talents and life experience to community and social programs. Empty-nest syndrome is the feelings of sadness or loneliness that accompany children’s leaving home and entering adulthood.

Goals of Older Adults Late Adulthood Erikson’s final stage of development, late adulthood, occurs after age 65. One of the goals of people at this stage is to look at life with satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Older adults evaluate the events of their lives and their achievements. If they have lived their lives with integrity, they are likely to be satisfied. Integrity refers to a firm adherence to a moral code.

Quick Review - Answer A. Correct! People in middle adulthood face the following: physical, mental and emotional transitions. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review - Answer You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try again, or click Next to view the correct answer.

Quick Review - Answer A. Correct! Many adults face the empty-nest syndrome after their children grow up and leave home. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review - Answer You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try again, or click Next to view the correct answer.

A. Correct! Integrity refers to a firm adherence to a moral code. Quick Review - Answer A. Correct! Integrity refers to a firm adherence to a moral code. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review - Answer You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try again, or click Next to view the correct answer.

Quick Review - Answer A. Correct! A specific example of the relationship between health decisions made as a teen and disease prevention later in life is the following: healthy eating and exercise help inhibit high blood pressure. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review - Answer You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try again, or click Next to view the correct answer.