Chapter 15 - Physical and cognitive development in middle adulthood. In this fi rst chapter on middle adulthood, we will discuss physical changes; cognitive changes; changes in careers, work, and leisure; as well as the importance of religion and meaning in life during middle adulthood. To begin, though, we will explore how middle age is changing. | Chapter 15: Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood Life-Span Development Thirteenth Edition Changing Midlife Age Identity – as adults become older, their age identity is younger than their chronological age An increasing percentage of the population is made up of middle-aged and older adults “Rectangularization” of the age distribution Defining Middle Adulthood Middle Adulthood: 40–45 years of age to about 60–65 years of age Declining physical skills and increasing responsibility Awareness of the young-old polarity Transmitting something meaningful to the next generation Reaching and maintaining career satisfaction Defining Middle Adulthood Middle adulthood is the age period in which gains (growth) and losses (decline) balance each other Late Midlife (55 to 65) is likely to be characterized by: Death of a parent Last child leaving the parental home Becoming a grandparent Preparation for and actual retirement Physical Changes: Visible Signs Wrinkling and . | Chapter 15: Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood Life-Span Development Thirteenth Edition Changing Midlife Age Identity – as adults become older, their age identity is younger than their chronological age An increasing percentage of the population is made up of middle-aged and older adults “Rectangularization” of the age distribution Defining Middle Adulthood Middle Adulthood: 40–45 years of age to about 60–65 years of age Declining physical skills and increasing responsibility Awareness of the young-old polarity Transmitting something meaningful to the next generation Reaching and maintaining career satisfaction Defining Middle Adulthood Middle adulthood is the age period in which gains (growth) and losses (decline) balance each other Late Midlife (55 to 65) is likely to be characterized by: Death of a parent Last child leaving the parental home Becoming a grandparent Preparation for and actual retirement Physical Changes: Visible Signs Wrinkling and sagging of skin Appearance of aging spots Hair becomes thinner and grayer Nails become thicker and more brittle Yellowing of teeth Physical Changes: Height and Weight Individuals lose height and gain weight Both obesity and severe weight loss can pose health risks Physical Changes Strength, Joints, and Bones Sarcopenia: age-related loss of muscle mass and strength Cushions for bone movement become less efficient, often leading to joint stiffness and more difficulty in movement Progressive bone loss Physical Changes Vision and Hearing Accommodation of the eye (ability to focus and maintain an image) experiences sharp declines between 40–59 years Difficulty viewing close objects Reduced blood supply decreases visual field Hearing can start to decline by the age of 40 High-pitched sounds are typically lost first Physical Changes Cardiovascular System High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease Metabolic Syndrome: a condition characterized by .
