Adulthood: Body and Mind PDF

Chapter Twelve Adulthood: Body and Mind 1 Overview Chapter 12 Adulthood: Body and Mind Adulthood Health Concerns Types of changes: – Physical changes – Brain related changes – Cognitive changes 2 Growing Older Adulthood Covers...

Chapter Twelve Adulthood: Body and Mind 1 Overview Chapter 12 Adulthood: Body and Mind Adulthood Health Concerns Types of changes: – Physical changes – Brain related changes – Cognitive changes 2 Growing Older Adulthood Covers four decades, from ages 25 to 65. Longest developmental period for most people. Change in vocabulary Most of our stage theories have ended (Freud, Piaget). We’re not going to talk about growth or development much anymore! Instead, we’ll talk about senescence 3 1  Growing Older Senescence Gradual physical decline during which the body becomes less strong and efficient Allostasis and Aging Chronic stress will make a person age faster. – Obesity – Pollution – Psychological stressors 4 Health Concerns During Adulthood Exercise can slow or delay senescence. Recommend weekly goal: 150 minutes of moderate OR 75 minutes of intense 5 Physiological Changes: Appearance Skin – Cells stop producing as much collogen. – Becomes less flexible, wrinkles form. – You can delay this process by using sun protection. 6 2  Physiological Changes: Appearance Hair – Follicles become less efficient over time. – Losses pigment (starts to grey), due to melanin. – Most will find their first grey hair 20s. 7 Physiological Changes: Appearance Body – We get a little shorter and wider as we age. – Spine compresses, back muscles weaken. – Between the ages of 25-65 the average person will loss about 1 inch off their maximum height. 8 Growing Older: Fertility As people grow older both males and females experience issues with fertility. For women For men Ovum become less viable Gradual loss in sperm over time mobility starting in 20s Starts during early 30s Also associated with 87% are infertile by 45 miscarriages Associated with Many men are* fertile miscarriages from puberty until death, but fertility rates vary with age. 9 3  Growing Older: Fertility Menopause Andropause Menstrual periods cease Testosterone levels completely and drop in older men, production of sex which results in a hormones drop reduction in sexual considerably. desire, erections, and Onset between age 42- muscle mass. 58 (average 51) 10 Health Hazards During Adulthood Medication in U.S. Prescription medication has cut the adult death rate in half. Diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and epilepsy are now controllable. Illegal Drug Use Continues to decline during adulthood years. Prescription abuse on the rise! 11 Health Concerns During Adulthood Opioid Abuse Has increased dramatically in adult populations over the last decade. Often starts with a prescription to opioid pain meds – Examples: Codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone – These meds are HIGHLY addictive Abuse or incorrect use of pain meds can lead to addiction and death. 12 4  Health Concerns During Adulthood Tobacco Alcohol Tobacco causes more In moderation* alcohol may death than any other drug. have beneficial properties. “Single largest preventable – *the WHO disputes that. cause of death during Drinking to get “drunk” is adulthood” associated with liver disease, Usage has decreased damage to brain cells, and other chronic health concerns. 13 Health Hazards During Adulthood Obesity Many adults put on an average of 20 pounds between the ages of 20 to 60. Having excess body fat increases the rate of almost every chronic disease. Solutions Adjusting diets seems to be best long-term solution. People/cultures who follow a Mediterranean diet seem to have lower obesity rates. 14 The Aging Brain Brain slows down with age. Neurons take longer to fire – Net loss of myelination Most changes are not noticeable until after age 65. Noticeable cognitive decline prior to 65 is rare and is often a pathological symptom. 15 5  The Aging Brain: Theories of Intelligence Intelligence The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. Two-Cluster Theory Sternberg’s Three-Forms Fluid Analytic Crystalized Creative Practical 16 The Aging Brain: Theories of Intelligence Two-Cluster Theory Fluid Crystalized 17 Sternberg’s Theory of Intelligence 18 6