Psy 210 Physical and Cognitive dev in middle adulthood

middle adulthood

The brain and nervous system

White matter volume peaks and grey matter volume continues to decline, Synapses continue to form, but the ratio of synapse formation to loss shifts.

Reproductive System (R.S)

Climacteric: years of middle or late adulthood during which reproductive capacity declines or is lost

Males (R.S.)

Quantity of viable sperm produced declines, declining testosterone levels, Incidence of erectile dysfunction starts to increase

Menopause

cessation of monthly (~) menstrual cycles

Perimenopause

typically begins after age 40 years; lasts 5-8 years

3 phases (R.S.)

Premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal

Psychological Effects of Menopause

Depressive symptoms increase; yet incidence of depression is no higher, Female’s negativity and number of life stressors pre-menopause influence emotional state.

Sexual Activity

Most adults remain sexually active, though desire and frequency declines. Mental health disorders, concerns about sexual performance or activity, and relationship concerns also particularly notable

Osteoporosis (O.P)

Loss of bone mass with age, Begins at ~30 years for males and females; menopause accelerates

Women (O.P.)

Linked to estrogen and progesterone levels

Risk factors (O.P)

age, gender, body frame and weight, timing of menopause, family history, race, diet, gut microbiota, health habits

Actions that lower risk

getting enough calcium and vitamin D in early adulthood, getting regular exercise, and getting tested for early identification

Treatment

bone-building and calcium absorption enhancement medications

Presbyopia

normal loss of visual acuity with aging, especially in the ability to focus the eyes on nearby objects, Lens thicken

Presbycusis

normal loss of hearing with aging, especially of highfrequency tones

Health-related quality of life (HRQL)

remains relatively high for most Canadians until ~age 70 years, Relationship between longevity and level of physical activity

Cancer

Leading cause of death, improving health habits in middle age can still lower one’s risk.

Risk Factors of Cancer

smoking, being overweight, certain STIs, inactivity, diet, alcohol use, hereditary factors, infectious agents

Cardiovascular disease

Group of disease processes in the heart and circulatory system, Improving health habits in middle age can still lower one’s risk

Risk factors of Cardiovascular disease

smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, imbalance of gut microbiota, inactivity, diet, alcohol use, hereditary factors

Gender and Health

Females live longer, but have more diseases and disabilities, Differences in middle and late adulthood explained by sex differences in potentially fatal conditions.

Mental Health Challenges (M.H.C.)

Less common than in early adulthood, Substance use disorders more likely to be diagnosed in middle adulthood when effects become more apparent

Exception (M.H.C.)

adults diagnosed with serious mental health disorders

Binge drinking

Canadian men continue to be more likely to binge drink, Prevalence declines for both in middle adulthood

Alcohol Use Disorder

Toxic effects combine with physical and psychological effects of aging, Higher mortality rate

Long term use of alcohol

damages every organ, especially the liver and cardiovascular system, and including the brain

Cognitive Functioning

Acquired skills and knowledge can help compensate for losses and have more efficient problem solving in areas of expertise

Baltes & Baltes

physical declines give rise to selective optimization with compensation: process of balancing the gains and losses associated with aging

Health and Cognitive Functioning

Same characteristics linked to risk of heart disease and cancer, and change or maintenance of intellectual skill

Changes in Memory and Cognition (M.C.)

Lack of mental exercise associated with declines in memory and cognitive skills that can be reversed and sustained with cognitive training and exercise

(M.C.) Reality

working memory capacity remains stable; ability to use efficiently changes

Episodic Memory

recollections of personal events

Semantic Memory

recollections of general knowledge, facts, and word meanings

Creativity

Ability to produce original, appropriate, and valuable ideas or solutions to problems. Peaks at 40

Creativity as divergent thinking

ability to provide multiple solutions to problems that don’t have a clear answer

4 stages of creativity

Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, & Translation