MADYSON K. KATELYN D. BRANDON H. PERIOD: 3

Physical changes may cause psychological response depending on how one views growing older. In eastern cultures, aging is a sign of wisdom, respect, and power. In western cultures, everyone wishes to look youthful and aging may cause self- esteem issues. In result many people spend billions of dollars in hopes to reverse the aging process.

menopause: the time of natural cessation of menstruation; also refers to the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines. menopause usually occurs around age 50 and includes physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, as well as the reduction of the hormone estrogen. Menopause usually does not cause psychological problems for women. In one MacArthur Foundation study of 3000 midlife adults, most postmenopausal women recalled "only relief" when their periods stopped; just 2 percent felt " only regret" (Goode, 1999).

Men do not experience an equivalent to menopause – no cessation of fertility or drop in sex hormones. However, their testosterone level can plummet which may cause depression, irritability, insomnia and weakness but can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy (Sternbach, 1998). Some men may also experience psychological distress due to their perception of decreased virility and physical capabilities.