Development of middle adulthood
Define middle-aged adult and maturity during this age.
Describe physical changes of the middle – aged adult.
Identify psychosocial development of middle – aged adult.
Explain the cognitive development. Discuss the health problems of the middle –
aged adult.
Middle-Aged Adult: 40 - 60 years { years of stability and consolidation ( security)}. It is a time when children have grown and moved away.
Maturity: is the state of maximal function and integration, or the state of being fully developed.
Maturity: Mature people have the quality of self-
acceptance; they are able to be reflective and insightful about life and to see them selves as others see them.
They confront the tasks of life in a realistic and mature manner, make decision, and accept responsibility for those decisions.
Category Description
Appearance Hair begins to thin, and gray ( old) hair appears .
Skin turgor and moisture decrease, S.C. fat decreases, wrinkling occurs.
Fatty tissue is redistributed, resulting in fat deposit in the abdominal area .
Category Description
Musculoskeletal system
Skeletal muscle bulk decreases at about age 60 .
Thinning of the intervertebral discs causes a decrease in height of about 1 inch.
Calcium loss from bone tissue is more common among postmenopausal women .
Category Description
Cardiovascular System
Blood vessels lose elasticity and become thicker ..
Sensory perception Visual acuity declines, often by the late 40s, especially for near vision.
Auditory acuity for high frequency sound also decreases, particularly in men .
Taste sensations also diminish .
Category DescriptionMetabolism Metabolism slows, and may result in
weight gain.
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gradual decrease in tone of large intestine may predispose the individual to constipation.
Urinary system Nephron units are lost during this time, and glomerular
filtration rate decreases .
Category Description
Sexuality Hormonal changes take place in both men and women.
Ovarian activity declines until ovulation ceases.
menopause occurs between ages 40-55, the average is about 47 years
* Common symptoms: related to decline in estrogen, hot flashes, chilliness, a breast
become smaller .* Insomnia and headaches may also occur
Category Description
According to Havighurst
Achieving adult civic (public) and social responsibility.
Establishing and maintaining an economic standard of living.
Accepting and adjusting to the physiologic changes of middle age.
Has work as a central theme .
Category Description
According to Slater Inclusivity (generalized)versus exclusivity ( Limited).
Pride versus embarrassment (shame).
Career productivity versus inadequacy.
Being needed versus alienation (separation) .
Cognitive and intellectual abilities change very little. Cognitive processes include reaction time, memory, perception, learning, problem solving, and creativity.
Reaction time during the middle years stays much the same or diminishes during the later part of the middle years.
Memory and problem solving are maintained through the middle years.
Learning continues and can be
enhanced by increased motivation.
Injuries: Motor vehicle crashes. Decreased reaction to times and visual acuity
leads to injuries.
Falls, fires, burns, poisonings and drowning.
Work-related injuries.
Cancer
Men have a high incidence of cancer of the lung
and bladder.
In women, breast cancer is highest in incidence,
followed by caner of colon and rectum, uterus,
and lung.
Cardiovascular: Coronary heart disease is leading cause of death
on USA in middle - aged adult ( caused by smoking, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, DM, lifestyle, familial history of MI).
Physical inactivity places individuals at greater risk of developing CHD.
Obesity: Decreased metabolic activity. Decreased physical activity mean (indicate) a
decrease in caloric need.
Alcoholism:Excessive use of alcohol can result in:Unemployment, Disrupted homes, Injuries,
diseases.
Mental Health Alterations:
Developmental stressors, such as the menopause,
aging, impending retirement.
Situational stressors such as divorce,
unemployment, and death of a spouse,
can precipitate increased anxiety and depression.
Aspect Assessment
Physical development
Exhibit weight within normal range for age and sex.
Manifest vital signs within normal range for age and sex.
Manifest visual and hearing abilities within normal range.
Verbalize any changes in eating, elimination, or exercise.
Aspect Assessment
Psychosocialdevelopment:
Accept aging body.
Feel comfortable and respect self.
Enjoy new freedom to be independent.
Aspect Assessment
Psychosocialdevelopment
Interact effectively and share companionable
(Sociable, or pleasant) activities with life
partner.
Expand and renew previous interests.
Have a meaningful philosophy of life.
Aspect AssessmentPsychosocialdevelopment
Interact effectively and share companionable
activities with life partner.
Expand ( spread out) and renew ( restore) previous interests.
Have a meaningful philosophy of life.
Activities of daily living
Follow preventive health practice
Aspect AssessmentHealth test and screening
Annually physical examination.
Immunization as recommended.
Regular dental assessment.
Tonometry for signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Screenings for TB every 2 years.
Aspect AssessmentHealth test and screening
Breast examination annually
Testicular examination annually.
Screenings for cardiovascular disease.
Screenings for colorectal, breast, cervical,
uterine and prostate cancer.
Aspect Assessment
SafetyMotor vehicle safety reinforcement.
Workplace safety measures.
Home safety measures.
Aspect Assessment
Nutrition and exercise
Importance of adequate protein, calcium, and
vitamin D in diet.
Nutritional and exercise factors that may lead
to cardiovascular disease.
An exercise program that emphasizes skill and
coordination.
Aspect Assessment
Social interactions
Encourage discussion of feelings, concerns,
and fears about a midlife crisis.
Providing time to expand and review previous
interests.
Retirement planning, with partner if
appropriate.
Recommended
