Biological and Physical Development in Early Adulthood

Maturity

Allport’s Dimensions of Maturity Extension of self is doing something for its own sake, –not because others want you to, or because it is expected of you. Relating warmly to others is developing intimate relations and displaying compassion.  trust, empathy Emotional security is –accepting emotional responses without letting them take control; –an ability to handle high levels of stress; and –control over emotional expression. Realistic perception is perceiving situations accurately. Possession of skills and competencies is being aware of skills and displaying pride in personal abilities. Knowledge of the self is –knowing what one can do; –knowing what one cannot do; and, –knowing what one ought to do. Establishing a unifying philosophy of life is finding a guiding purpose, establishing ideals, identifying needs, developing goals, and adopting values.

Aging at the DNA & Body Cell Level Two theories: –Programmed effects of specific genes “aging genes”- menopause, gray hair, deterioration of body cells Human cell division: ~50 ± 10 divisions –Limit controlled by genes –Cumulative effects of random events Cells damaged from mutation: spontaneous or externally caused Free radicals Genes defending against free radicals? –Vitamin C, E, Beta-Carotene Longevity-Family trait

Organs and Tissues Cross-linkage theory –Protein fibers that make up the body’s connective tissue form bonds with one another Tissue becomes less elastic Regular exercise, vitamin rich, low-fat diet Failure of the endocrine system –Immune system functioning

Physical Changes

Cardiovascular/respiratory Hypertension in African-Americans and White Americans (12 %); Deaths from Heart Disease (47%) Hearts ability to meet O2 requirement does not change with age unless “exercised” Atherosclerosis of the arteries –Caused by? Heart Disease Decrease from: diet, exercise, cig smoking, medical advances for high blood pressure Lung functioning does not change with age unless “exercised”: respiratory volume decreases, breathing rate increases.

Motor Performance Difficult to separate from decrease in motivation and practice Upper limit in beginning of early adulthood Lower performance due to reduced capacities from adaptation to a less physically demanding lifestyle

Immune System Immune response: specialized cells that neutralize or destroy antigens –T cells-bone marrow attack antigens directly –B cells- bone marrow; antibodies into the bloodstream that multiply, capture antigens, blood system destroys them. Immune systems capacity increases through adolescence but declines after 20 Difficulty coping with phys. and psych. stress can contribute to declines in immune system

Reproduction First births to women over 30 have increased Fertility problems increase from 15 to 50 years, sharp rise in mid 30s Males after age 40.

Your “Healthy” Lifestyle

Present your lifestyle profile. –Include descriptions of your eating habits, exercise, substance use (and/or abuse), and health risks. Assess your functioning in all areas. Where are you succeeding in living well? What areas do you need to work on? What is your worst health-threatening habit? How might you improve these things to live a better and healthier life?