Physical development in middle adulthood

What is the age range for a middle adult?

40 to 65 years old. This is the time when people notice and feel the physical effects of aging.

Physical changes in the middle adulthood

Wrinkles, hair loss (earlier in men), body weight increases, and strength tend to decrease toward the end of middle adulthood.

Osteoporosis

Decrease in bone mass.

What gender is osteoporosis most common in?

More common in women

How can you reduce osteoporosis?

By exercising regularly, emphasizing balance and posture, and eating a calcium-rich diet.

What is the first physical change that occurs in middle adulthood?

Vision. Around age 40, visual activity begins to decline

Presbyopia

Loss of near/close up vision

What is the second most physical change to occur in middle adulthood?

Hearing.

Presbycusis

Age-related declines in hearing. Also called old hearing and elderly hearing. It affects high-pitched sounds, and about two-thirds experience it by age 65.

How much sleep does a middle adult need?

Middle-aged adults still need seven or more hours of sleep per night.

Menopause

One year without a menstrual period, around age 50, but individual variability. Estrogen production decreases, ovulation stops, and menstruation stops.

Hot flashes

Sudden sensation of heat spreading over the body, with flushing, sweating, and chills.

When do reproductive changes start for men?

They start around age 50. Declines in testosterone levels and sperm count, and changes in erections and arousal.

What does a middle-aged adult’s sex life become?

Becomes more about intimacy, communication, and authenticity.

What chronic diseases can occur in middle adulthood?

Arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension

Diabetes

Affects how the body turns food into energy. most likely appears between ages 50 and 60

How is diabetes managed?

Managed by eating healthy, regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar, and medications.

Hypertension

Higher than normal blood pressure. One of the most frequent chronic disorders appearing in midlife.

How is hypertension managed?

Diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and medications.

Cardiovascular disease

Disease of the heart and blood vessels

Heart failure

The heart has become too weak or stiff, no longer able to pump blood around the body

Heart attack

Blood flow to the heart is blocked, and the heart cannot get enough oxygen.

Stroke

Blood flow to the brain is blocked, and the brain cannot get enough oxygen

What disease in the leading cause of death among adults in the US?

Cardiovascular Disease