Rates of Development Genes set the process in motion Hormones responsible for changes Environment also –Secular trend: better nutrition Earlier maturation,larger body size –Poorly nourished/mature later –Heavy & tall/mature earlier –Regular strenuous exercise/later

Figure 5.6

Psychological Implications Girls become concerned w/appearance –Individual reactions vary widely –Negative views about menstruation –May contribute to poor body images Boys likely to welcome the changes Family relations remain important –Distance & conflict with parents Usually about only minor issues

Early vs. Late Development Early/males: advantage –More positive reactions from others Late/males: disadvantage –More behavior & adjustment problems Early/females: disadvantage –Subject of ridicule,lower self esteem –Older peer group = problems Late/ females: academic advantages Differences tend to fade with time

Physical Behavior Dramatic physical growth overall Boys continue to improve Girls tend to level off or decline Not totally explained by biology –Gender role socialization important –Gender performance gap has narrowed –E.g., track, swimming, cycling records

The Adult Minor changes in the 20s & 30s Noticeable by the 40s –Wrinkles, gray hair, weight gain In the 60s: Weight, muscle, bone loss –Osteoporosis in older women Fair, light frame, smokers Calcium, exercise, HRT –Osteoarthritis: joint deterioration

Functioning and Health Most systems show decline with age –Heart & lung capacity –Temperature control –Immune system and strength –Reserve capacity *On average, older people are less fit than younger BUT not all Physically active remain fit

The Reproductive System Beginning in adolescence –Sex hormones influence behavior Males/testosterone –Levels fluctuate daily Females/ estrogen & progesterone – monthly cycle –PMS? Expectations vs. hormones »Calcium & Vitamin D helpful

Menopause and Andropause Menopause: estrogen production declines –age range –Symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness –Little anxiety, irritability, depression, or other stereotypes –Exercise & adequate sleep helpful Andropause: decreasing testosterone –Symptoms: Libido, fatigue, erection, and memory problems

Slowing Down Balance difficulty affects the ability to walk, stand, sit, and turn Older people with strong muscles and good cardiovascular capacity can walk briskly Central change is slowing in the CNS –Increased RT –Novel/complex tasks more difficult *physically fit older people have quicker RT

Disease, Disuse, and Abuse Birren (1963) study of men aged –Healthy older same as younger –Conclusion: Aging itself has little effect on physical and psychological functioning Disuse: “Use it or lose it!” –Includes mental exercise Abuse contributes to decline –Alcohol, high-fat diet, smoking