LS Ch 12 Middle Adulthood.docx

LS Ch 12 Middle Adulthood Powered By Middle Adulthood: Physiological Changes, Psychosocial Tasks, Goals, and Health Concerns • Middle adulthood is defined as the period from the mid-40s through the early 60s. • The definition of middle adulthood has transitioned from being after traditional c...

LS Ch 12 Middle Adulthood Powered By Middle Adulthood: Physiological Changes, Psychosocial Tasks, Goals, and Health Concerns • Middle adulthood is defined as the period from the mid-40s through the early 60s. • The definition of middle adulthood has transitioned from being after traditional childbearing roles to a period after early adulthood but before retirement. • Conflicting perceptions of middle age exist, with some considering it the peak of life while others see it as a time of decline. • Middle age should be viewed as a time of growth and progression. • Goals for this stage include adjusting to new family roles, securing economic stability, maintaining a positive self-image, and evaluating career options. • Middle-aged adults may face stress as part of the "sandwich generation” taking care of both their grown children and elderly parents. • Physically, middle-aged adults may experience a gradual loss of height and changes in body contour due to increased fat deposits. Physiological Changes Associated with Aging • Middle-aged adults may require a larger clothing size due to body weight redistribution, even without gaining weight. • Loss of muscle tone and elasticity in connective tissues leads to flabby skin in the face, abdomen, and buttocks. • Muscle strength and tone gradually decrease with age. • Exercise, weight control, and diet can slow down the effects of aging. • Bone mass peaks at age 35, then declines rapidly after menopause in women, leading to osteoporosis. • Factors contributing to osteoporosis include genetics, smoking, alcohol, nutrition, and lack of sunlight and vitamin D3. • Osteoporosis incidence is higher in white and Asian individuals. • Proper dental care can prevent periodontal disease. • Heart and lung muscles lose elasticity, leading to slightly increased blood pressure and decreased air exchange efficiency. • Skin becomes less elastic, resulting in wrinkling and sagging. • Hair changes include graying, thinning, and slowed growth. • There is a decline in visual and aural acuity, with decreased peripheral vision, presbyopia, and decreased ability to adjust to changes in light. • Many of these changes can be managed with proper care, exercise, diet, and medical interventions. Physical and Sexual Changes in Middle Age • Most visual changes in middle age can be managed with corrective lenses • Laser surgery can correct certain visual defects with rapid recovery • Middle-aged adults may develop presbycusis, or loss of hearing acuity • Lack of proper care and excessive exposure to loud noise can worsen hearing loss • Middle-aged adults may experience a gradual loss of taste discrimination, but it doesn't affect appetite or food selection significantly • The condition of the mouth and teeth can have a noticeable effect on diet • Vital signs of healthy middle-aged adults should be similar to younger adults • Some noticeable changes in middle age include skin changes and gray hair • Middle-aged individuals continue to live as sexual beings, but options and means of sexual expression may change • Misconceptions exist regarding decreased sexual activity, pleasure, and interest in middle age • Middle-aged individuals may have limited time and energy for sexual relationships due to work and other commitments • Loss of reproductive capacity does not affect libido or sexual pleasure in both sexes • Women may have peak sexual capacity, desire, and pleasure during middle age • Men may experience changes in sexual roles, reduced testosterone levels, and anxieties over performance • Loss of libido may be due to medications or psychosocial factors in men • The climacteric refers to the change of life in both men and women • Menopause is the cessation of menses in women due to decreased production of estrogen and progesterone • Genetic factors influence the onset and duration of menopause • Menopause usually starts between 45 and 55 years of age, with an average completion age of 51 • Menopause typically begins with noticeable changes in a woman's menstrual cycle. Changes and Symptoms of Menopause • The menstrual cycle may become irregular and shorter in duration, with longer intervals between periods. • Some women experience spotting between periods. • Blood flow during menses may increase or decrease, or the menses may come to a sudden stop. • Internally, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus decrease in size. • The ovaries no longer secrete reproductive hormones and ova. • The vagina may lose elasticity and become drier, leading to itching and discomfort during intercourse. • Hot flashes are common and involve vasodilation, excessive perspiration, vasoconstriction, and chilling. • Other symptoms may include night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. Subject: Menopausal Signs and Interventions • Signs of menopause include hot flashes followed by chills, palpitations, nervousness, headache, loss of muscle strength, decreased elasticity of the skin, increased facial hair, decreased vaginal lubrication, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. • Interventions to manage menopausal symptoms include dressing in layers, avoiding high necklines, wearing cotton, routine physical examinations, stress reduction, regular exercise, limiting sun exposure, hair removal with electrolysis or waxing, using water-soluble lubricants before intercourse, and following relaxing routines at bedtime. Subject: Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for reducing menopausal symptoms. • HRT is not recommended for women with a personal or family history of breast disease or cancer. • HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis when used under proper medical supervision. • Controversy exists regarding the cardioprotective effect of HRT. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Menopausal Symptoms • According to a 2017 research study reported by the American College of Cardiology, HRT may lower the risk of death from plaque build-up in the heart's arteries for menopausal women compared to women not using hormones. • The National Institute of Aging suggests that women experiencing menopausal symptoms should first try lifestyle changes before considering hormone replacement therapy. • Lifestyle changes include dressing in layers, maintaining a cool environment, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, avoiding spicy foods, and engaging in calming practices like meditation, yoga, or tai chi. • HRT should be used only for short-term relief, and women should understand the potential benefits and adverse effects before starting therapy. Subject: Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men • Men may experience lower testosterone levels and symptoms like lethargy or low sex drive during middle age. • Testosterone replacement therapy can benefit men with low testosterone levels and symptoms. • Men can still produce sperm and procreate well into their 80s, but middle age primarily affects their thinking patterns and self-image. • Some men may try to look and act younger as they notice physical changes associated with middle age. • Problems with male sexual functioning are usually caused by disease, medication, or mental outlook. Subject: Midlife Crisis and Psychosocial Development • Middle-aged men facing the aging process may experience a midlife crisis, characterized by stress and attempts to prove sexual appeal. • Middle adulthood is characterized by the primary task of generativity, as suggested by Erik Erikson. • Generativity refers to an individual's desire and ability to serve the larger community and positively influence their own children. • Middle-aged adults, with or without children, demonstrate self-confidence, nurturing skills, and concern for their communities. • Examples of generativity include volunteer work in various settings and achieving lifelong and larger generative goals. Note: The text ends with a printing disclaimer and contact information but does not provide any further relevant information. Transition and Adjustments in Middle Adulthood • No reproduction without publisher's prior permission, violators will be prosecuted. • Failure to achieve generativity leads to self-absorption and stagnation, potentially causing depression and acting-out behavior. • Role changes are normal in middle adulthood, with approximately 15% living without a partner. • Time is now spent on couple-centered activities rather than child-centered activities. • Developing true intimacy is vital for close relationships and promotes trust and mutual care. • Successful transition to new roles requires flexibility, support, and appreciation for each partner's growth and needs. • Marriage stress in middle age can result from unresolved conflicts related to finances, role divisions, or intimacy. • Divorce in middle and older years is increasing and often a result of long-term contemplation. • Empty-nest syndrome occurs when children move out, leading to difficult adjustments for some parents. • Middle-aged women may have more time to pursue personal goals after their children leave home. Trends in Parenting and Grandparenting in Middle Age • Postponing childbearing leads to a decrease in average number of children per family • Parenting at middle age can be stressful due to lower energy levels, but young children can bring vitality to their parents' lives • Today's grandparents are different from the past, being youthful and active • Grandparenting can take on different styles: formal, informal/spoiler, surrogate, wisdom provider, and distant figure • Regardless of style, grandparent's role is important to children of all ages • Middle-aged adults often have close relationships with their parents and provide care for them • Caring for elderly parents can be a major challenge for middle-aged adults Challenges and Concerns of Middle-aged Adults • Sometimes decisions need to be made about helping parents move to retirement centers or nursing homes. • Individuals caring for elderly parents need outside support to get respite from caregiving. • Caregivers need a strong support network to assist them with daily stressors. • Home care or adult day care can provide relief for the family. • Increased cost of living and unemployment have caused adult children to move back to their parents' homes. • Middle-aged adults look forward to becoming grandparents. • Helpful hints for caring for aging parents include recognizing their feelings and maintaining open communication. • Economic security planning should start early. • Paying for children's college education strains economic security plans. • Middle-aged adults may need to financially support their own parents. • Accepting visible age-related changes without losing self-esteem is important for middle-aged adults. Middle-aged Adults and Career Development • Adults reach peak career goals by middle age and may need to come to terms with their accomplishments. • Some may decide to change careers or go back to school, recognizing that a single job or career may no longer be the norm. • Factors such as rising costs of living, technological advancements, or job market changes can lead to job loss or the need for retraining. • Women may enter the workforce when their children become more independent, while others may be forced to make job changes due to external circumstances like a global pandemic. • Job loss, retraining, and relocation have a significant impact on middle-aged workers. Subject: Cognitive Development in Middle-aged Adults • Mental ability and memory remain at peak performance in middle age. • Middle-aged adults demonstrate the ability to think pragmatically and concretely. • Integrating objective and rational modes of thinking is a sign of maturity. • Many middle-aged adults enroll in courses to enhance job-related knowledge or pursue personal interests. • Adjusting to the learning environment may pose challenges for adults returning to school, but with perseverance, they quickly adapt. • Adult learners often need more time to learn and complete tasks but excel due to their motivation, life experiences, and needs. Subject: Helpful Hints for Adult Learners • It may take a few weeks for adult learners to get back into the routine of being in school after several years. • Motivation and perseverance are vital for success in learning. • Keeping up with reading assignments and ensuring understanding by summarizing the material is crucial. • Adult learners should utilize illustrations, tables, and other visual aids in the text for better comprehension. • It is important to allow time for adjusting to new technology. • Completing end-of-chapter questions and exercises and preparing for exams from the first day of class are recommended. • Reviewing test scores and analyzing errors can help improve performance in future examinations. Notes on Moral Development, Nutrition, and Sleep for Middle-Aged Adults • Middle age is a time for individuals to reassess their values and beliefs, with spirituality guiding moral decisions. • Improving the welfare of others enhances personal moral growth in middle-aged adults. • Dietary needs for middle-aged adults are similar to adults in their 20s and 30s, with a gradual slowdown in the basal metabolic rate. • Redistribution of weight occurs in middle-aged adults, with increases in waist and hips for women and abdominal girth for men. • Middle-aged adults should decrease caloric intake, increase physical activity, and consume nutrient-rich foods for their changing nutritional needs. • Good nutrition supports successful aging, recovery from illness, decreases infection risks, and maintains muscle strength. • Adequate calcium intake of 1500 mg daily is needed for bone mass, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation. • Many middle-aged adults experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, potentially due to stress, poor health, or lack of exercise. • Middle-aged adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep for optimal well-being and cognitive function. • Sleep is needed to restore body tissues and maintain optimal functioning. • Napping can help compensate for sleep loss in both young and old individuals. • A normal sleep cycle lasts 50 minutes in children and 90 minutes in adults. • There are two kinds of sleep: rapid-eye-movement sleep (REM) and non-rapid-eye-movement sleep (NREM).