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Modupe Sarratt HW #8

10 Questions Interview for Middle Adulthood and Reflection

1. There are several physical changes in our bodies that occur during midlife. What have you experienced?

Answer: Well apart from my growing wisdom and stunning beauty [laughing], I have noticed that time

does take its toll. As I’ve gotten older, completing simple tasks take more effort. Skin starts to sag, trying to hide

those new found wrinkles becomes a daily chore, and I seem to be shrinking. And now I have to wear glasses.

One day you have 20-20 vision, the next you’re squinting to read the menu at a restaurant.

The above mentioned physical changes during middle adulthood are similar to Santrock‟s description,

“midlife physical changes are usually gradual . . . self-ratings of physical health became more negative” (p. 476-

478). The interviewee‟s response includes reported decrease in physical strength, muscle mass, coordination,

“hearing, and vision”.

2. What is your experience with menopause?

Answer: It’s a blessing and a curse all wrapped up in one. Sadly, the bloating, mood swings, and hot

flashes come with menopause, but I say the pros outweigh the cons.

According to Santrock, the middle-aged person experiences “climacteric, a term used to describe the midlife

transition in which fertility decline” (p. 483). Midlife women have a transition into menopause referred to as

“perimenopause”. When the normal menstruation flow decreases to no flow. This is associated with hormonal

changes.

3. Do you think sex is better during midlife and why?

Answer: Between you and me, not really. I guess it’s because of the lack of energy and spontaneity. [Sigh]

Men.

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The general descriptions for middle adulthood sexuality are typified with decrease in sexual desire and

intimacy; sex becomes a routine. Many middle aged people complain of being tired at end of the day and lack

of a social life outside work. Some associated lacks of energy for sexual activities were due the hormonal

changes; in women, there is a decrease in “estrogen”, and in men, there is a decrease in “testosterone”. In

addition, midlife sexual activities as a routine can cause mental and emotional stress, such as fatigue and

boredom.

According to Santrock, in midlife “there usually is a modest decline . . . sexual hormone level and activity”

and “nothing like the dramatic drop in estrogen that women experience.” In men, “testosterone production

begins to decline about 1 percent, and sperm count usually show a slow decline” (p. 484). For these reasons

“sexual activity usually occurs on less frequent basis” prior to the “widespread of erectile dysfunction drugs

such as Viagra” (p. 485).

4. Do you have any disease that you think is associated with midlife?

Answer: I was diagnosed with diabetes at 38. And I do have high blood pressure; I guess that could be

related to having a baby late in life, due to the stress. It’s also hereditary; my mother was diagnosed with high

blood pressure at the same age.

According to Santrock, “cardiovascular system change in middle adulthood”and“midlife is the time when

high blood pressure and cholesterol „often take adults by surprise.” (p. 478). The changes in cardiovascular

systen increase in middle age and are the cause for cardiovascular diseases.

5. How would you define your midlife?

Answer: Well for starters, everyone needs something from you these days. No time to yourself. I work,

come home, then cook and clean. I constantly worry about my health. Taking care of my mother and my

children does put quite a strain on me.

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This is similar to Santrock defining middle adulthood in the Life-Span Development, “for many people,

middle adulthood is a time of declining physical skills and expanding responsibility; a period in which people

become more conscious of the young-old polarity and the shrinking amount of the time left in life” (p. 475)

6. Do you think you sleep better because you are in your middle adulthood?

Answer: No. I thought being tired would make me go to sleep, but when I’m tired, I worry. At night, I worry

about the next day, and I have to make sure I set my alarm to wake me up for the time to do the next day tasks.

According to Santrock, “sleep becomes more problematic in the middle age . . . wakeful periods are more

frequent and there is less of the deepest type of sleep” (p. 480).

7. Do you think middle age makes you smarter and wiser?

Answer: In a way. I’ve learned that kids wear you out and husbands are oblivious. [Laughing] seriously,

you do learn a lot. You learn about life. This does make you smarter and wiser. That would be a good comeback

if your kids back talk to you. [Laugh] I think I am better at multitasking.

According to Santrock, exploration for “changes in intelligence in middle adulthood focuses on concepts

of fluid and crystallized intelligence,” in “crystallized intelligence for accumulating of information and verbal

skills” increases in the middle adulthood makes them wiser. The Fluid intelligence “for ability to reason

abstractly begins to decline in the middle adulthood” indicates a decrease of intelligence. Therefore, middle

adulthood individual are not the smartest or the brainiest, which explains the shift of responsibility for new

ideas to the early adulthood. (p. 486)

8. What do you think are the career challenges facing middle adulthood?

Answer: Well you work, and your boss either likes you or fires you. Some jobs only want young people

while some want us “old folks”. But it’s a hassle because now you have to worry about retirement, paying

taxes, mortgages, etc.

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According to Santrock, “Many middle-age adults reached the peak in position and earnings. However, they

also saddled with multiple financial burdens from rent or mortgage, child care, medical bills, home repairs,

college tuition, loans . . . or bills from nursing homes”. In addition, “globalization in the twenty first century . .

. has replaced white male workforce with employees of different ethnic and national background . . . To

improve profits, many companies are restructuring, downsizing, and outsourcing jobs” (p. 490).

9. Do you think your midlife provides you with more leisure time for you to pursue your interest and in

what way?

Answer: I think so, I am able to travel a little, do some charity work, and have some “me- time”. Because

my children do not need me as much and I don’t have to worry about taking care of them that allows me to save

money and spend the money for my own interests.

According to Santrock, “Leisure can be an especially important aspect of middle adulthood. By middle

adulthood, more money is available to many individuals, and there may be more free time and paid vacations.

In short, midlife changes may produce expanded opportunities for leisure” (p. 491).

10. Do you think religion is important in midlife and why?

Answer: Yes, because it makes you feel better about yourself. Also, going to church provides some pleasant

atmosphere. Besides, going to church, singing, and listen to the pastor can reduce our sadness and uplift our

spirit which can benefit our health. It helps to minimize stress.

According to Santrock, “Researcher have found that religion commitment helps to moderate blood pressure

and hypertension, and that religious attendance is linked to a reduction in hypertension” (p. 492)

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Reference

Santrock, John W.

Life-Span Development-12th ed