Chapter 17:Chapter 17:

Biosocial Development inBiosocial Development in

Early AdulthoodEarly Adulthood

Michael Hoerger

DeathDeath Deaths due to disease are low in early Deaths due to disease are low in early

adulthood, increase with ageadulthood, increase with age Violent deaths peak in early adulthoodViolent deaths peak in early adulthood

Car accidents, homicide, and suicideCar accidents, homicide, and suicide Lower overall rates for Asian AmericansLower overall rates for Asian Americans Higher homicide rates for African Higher homicide rates for African

AmericansAmericans Higher suicide rates for Native Higher suicide rates for Native

American malesAmerican males

SenescenceSenescence

Definition: gradual physical decline due Definition: gradual physical decline due to agingto aging

Maximum life-span = 120 years oldMaximum life-span = 120 years old Evolutionary theory: Species must only Evolutionary theory: Species must only

survive long enough to reproducesurvive long enough to reproduce Declines vary by age, person, and Declines vary by age, person, and

cultureculture Skin, eyes, and lungs = 20; speed and Skin, eyes, and lungs = 20; speed and

agility = 25; hair = 30agility = 25; hair = 30

FertilityFertility 1/6 couples are infertile1/6 couples are infertile Infertility in males: fever, drugs, Infertility in males: fever, drugs,

alcohol, smoking, stress, environmental alcohol, smoking, stress, environmental toxins, undescended testicletoxins, undescended testicle

Infertility in females: drug use, under Infertility in females: drug use, under weight, over weight, pelvic weight, over weight, pelvic inflammatory disease (blocked fallopian inflammatory disease (blocked fallopian tube) often caused by untreated STIs tube) often caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhealike chlamydia and gonorrhea

Advice for Early AdulthoodAdvice for Early Adulthood

Use ear protection for power Use ear protection for power equipment, and avoid headphonesequipment, and avoid headphones

Maintain a target weight via a balanced Maintain a target weight via a balanced diet (include diet (include somesome fats), 4 to 5 servings fats), 4 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (mix of fruits and vegetables a day (mix colors)colors)

Develop a sustainable exercise routine, Develop a sustainable exercise routine, including cardio and strength trainingincluding cardio and strength training

Floss and seek regular dental careFloss and seek regular dental care

Use daily sunscreen, 365 days a yearUse daily sunscreen, 365 days a year Find a way to manage stress by Find a way to manage stress by

matching lifestyle to talents and matching lifestyle to talents and interestsinterests

Build relationship skillsBuild relationship skills Involvement in engaging activities, like Involvement in engaging activities, like

community projects or politicscommunity projects or politics Know your body and what to look for, Know your body and what to look for,

self-exams for breast and testicular self-exams for breast and testicular cancercancer

Avoid pesticides, wash produceAvoid pesticides, wash produce Minimal to no smoking or drinkingMinimal to no smoking or drinking

Michael HoergerMichael Hoerger

To cite this textbook:To cite this textbook: Berger, K. (2005). Berger, K. (2005). The developing The developing

person through the lifespanperson through the lifespan. New . New York: Worth.York: Worth.

To cite this lecture:To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, March 21). Hoerger, M. (2007, March 21).

Developmental Psychology: Earl Developmental Psychology: Earl Adulthood Biosocial DevelopmentAdulthood Biosocial Development. . Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.Central Michigan University.