Psyc 222 Developmental Psychology II Dean Owen, Ph.D., LPCC Spring 2011 Unit 5: MIDDLE ADULTHOOD Physical and Cognitive Development

Family Life Cycle The sequence of phases characterizing the development of families around the world. Middle Adulthood 1. Children mature and leave home 2. Parenting responsibilities diminish 3. Redefinition of marriage and of marital roles

Middle Adulthood Generally this is the period between about 40 and 65 years of age. Erik Erikson referred to this period as a time of: Generativity or Stagnation In the past individuals went more quickly from young adulthood to old age…

Middle Adulthood Generativity vs Stagnation Development of a sense of: Creativity, success, of having achieved your goals Such individuals are concerned with the next generation; the virtue is called care, and represents connection to generations to come, and a love given without expectations of a specific return –

Middle Adulthood Generativity or Stagnation Some adults develop a sense of stagnation, are self-absorbed, feel little connection to others, and generally offer little to society; too much stagnation can lead to rejectivity and a failure to feel any sense of meaning (the unresolved mid-life crises) and too much generativity leads to overextension (someone who has no time for themselves because they are so busy), They have lost themselves in work.

Human Longevity Various factors contribute to an individual's longevity. Significant factors in life expectancy include gender, genetics, access to health care, hygiene, diet and nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and crime rates. First World: 77–83 years (e.g. Canada: years, 2010 est.) Third World: 32–80 years (e.g. Mozambique: years, 2010 est.; Uruguay: years, 2010 est.)Third World: 32–80 years (e.g. Mozambique: years, 2010 est.; Uruguay: years, 2010 est.) CombinedmaleFemale Cyprus Turkey

Human Longevity Critical Factors GenderGenetics Health careHygiene Diet and nutritionExercise LifestyleCrime rates

Physical Changes in Midlife

Physical Changes Visual Changes Loss of accommodation (ability to focus) The lens becomes less flexible By age 60 the lens cannot adjust and most individuals will require glasses Presbyopia Loss of ability to see in dim light. Glaucoma: excessive pressure in the eye creating damage to the retina and blindness.

Physical Changes Visual Changes Loss of accommodation (ability to focus) By age 50 accommodative ability is only 1/6 of what it was at age 20 By age 60 the lens cannot adjust and most individuals will require glasses Presbyopia Loss of ability to see in dim light. Glaucoma: excessive pressure in the eye creating damage to the retina and blindness.

Physical Changes Hearing 14% of American’s between experience adult onset hearing loss… Structural changes in the ear caused by natural aging and reduced blood supply as well as changes to the auditory cortex of the brain are thought to be the cause.

Physical Changes Skin: Structural changes in the skin layers make the skin less elastic during midlife…creating lines and wrinkles. Excessive sun exposure is a leading cause of skin damage that becomes more visible during this period.

Physical Changes

Muscle-Fat General pattern is accumulation of fatty tissue particularly in the abdomen for both men and women and loss of muscle tissue as well. Men typically gain weight in the upper torso and back while women gain it around the waistline. Metabolism slows and so fewer calories are required: Many eating patterns are more cultural and social rather than a response to hunger and so many people continue to eat like they did when they were younger….they gain weight. Careful attention to diet as well as exercise can be useful in maintaining healthy weight and fat distribution.

Physical Changes

Skeleton Major changes begin as mineral content in the bones declines. Lowering of estrogen levels in women result in markedly less dense bone structures… 20-30% decline in mineral content (8- 12% for men)

Physical Changes Skeleton Major changes begin as mineral content in the bones declines. Lowering of estrogen levels in women result in markedly less dense bone structures… 20-30% decline in mineral content (8- 12% for men)

Physical Changes Reproductive system changes in women….. Female Climacteric: Typically a 10 year period during which estrogen levels decline and ends with menopause: Menopause: the end of menstruation and reproductive capacity usually occurring in the early 50s Estrogen levels continue to decline resulting in: vaginal hypertrophyincreased risk of atherosclerosis Inhibited lubricationMood swings/depression Reduced arousalvascular dilation (hot flashes) Loss of skin elasticityirritability Bone densityPoor sleep patterns

Physical Changes Reproductive system changes in men….. Male Climacteric: From the 20’s onward there is a gradual decrease in testosterone but the change is minimal for men with an active sex life. Male Menopause?? No…although the quality and motility of sperm decrease from 20s onward (especially after 40) sperm production continues throughout life. Reduced blood flow results in erectile dysfunction in about 30% of men after age 60. The condition is more easily treatable now with medications but there are risks including serious loss of vision. Reduced interest in sex, as in women, is common but may be more psychological than physical.

Health and Fitness Illness and Disability Midlife brings significant increases in the incidence of both cancer and cardiovascular disease (the two more frequent causes of midlife death). Accidental death declines from early adulthood because of the decline in vehicle crashes…

Health and Fitness Cancer From early adulthood to mid-life cancer rates increase 1000% Cancer accounts for 1/3 of mid-life deaths. Heredity, biological aging and environment are the three contributing factors…. Male Incidence Prostate25% Lung and bronchus15% Colon and rectum10% Female Incidence Breast26% Colon and rectum10% Uterus 6%

Health and Fitness Cardiovascular Disease Myocardial Infarction (MI) Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) Hypertension (HBP)

Health and Fitness Sexuality in Midlife Frequency of intercourse declines slightly among married couples and frequency in early adulthood is best predictor. Longitudinal studies suggest that marital satisfaction and sexual frequency are co- related..bi-directional.

Health and Fitness Sexuality in Midlife Intensity of sexual response declines as the result of the climacteric….more time needed for arousal and to reach orgasm. Many midlife couples report higher levels of sexual satisfaction Gender related differences in sexual expression are significant. Male Mortality and the value women place on affection make sex less available to women.

Healthy Adaptation to Midlife. Coping with Stress Exercise Developing optimism Coping with Gender and Aging Stereotypes

Questions or comments ??