Human Lifespan Development: Adolescence to Late Adulthood (6)

These 35 vocabulary flashcards cover key terms and concepts from adolescence through late adulthood, highlighting developmental tasks, health promotion, and age-related changes.

Accident Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing adolescent deaths, including driver’s education, water-safety training, drug education, and safe-sex instruction.

Safe Sex Practices

Evidence-based guidelines to lower infection risk: know partners, avoid IV drug users, inspect and correctly use condoms, avoid partners with genital lesions.

Abstinence

Choosing not to engage in sexual activity; described as the safest method for preventing pregnancy and infection.

Latex Condom

Barrier device recommended for infection protection; must be intact, properly fitted over the erect penis, and held during withdrawal.

Depression

Mood disturbance marked by sadness, despair, and hopelessness that often requires professional intervention.

Suicide Risk Indicators

Warning signs such as talk of suicide, giving away possessions, mood shifts, and preoccupation with death.

Developmental Tasks of Adolescence

Milestones like recognizing individuality, accepting strengths and weaknesses, forming values, and refining social skills.

Early Adulthood

Life stage from 20–40 years characterized by peak physical condition and major lifestyle changes.

Developmental Tasks of Early Adulthood

Goals such as achieving financial independence, forming intimate relationships, and deciding on career, marriage, and children.

Intimacy

Erikson’s positive psychosocial outcome for young adults involving deep sharing, commitment, and compromise.

Isolation

Erikson’s negative outcome in early adulthood; distancing oneself from close relationships and becoming self-absorbed.

Love (Eriksonian Virtue)

Mutual devotion that emerges when intimacy is successfully achieved in young adulthood.

Formal Operational Thought

Piaget’s stage in which adults use integrative, abstract reasoning and problem-solving strategies.

ChooseMyPlate

U.S. dietary guideline website promoted for balanced nutrition, portion control, and healthy eating patterns.

Restorative Sleep

Seven to nine hours of quality sleep most adults need for optimal physical and mental functioning.

Testicular Examination

Routine self or clinical check for males to aid early detection of testicular cancer.

Pap Smear

Annual cervical screening test for females used to detect early signs of cancer.

Mammogram

Radiographic breast exam; recommended yearly for women 45–54, with optional start at 40.

PSA Test

Prostate-specific antigen blood test, often combined with digital rectal exam, used in prostate cancer screening.

Middle Adulthood

Developmental period from 40–65 years marked by gradual physical changes and evolving social roles.

Presbyopia

Age-related loss of near vision due to decreased lens elasticity, typically beginning after 40.

Presbycusis

Normal progressive decline in hearing acuity and pitch discrimination that often starts around age 40.

Osteoporosis

Loss of bone density increasing fracture risk; accelerated in post-menopausal women.

Menopause

Gradual cessation of menstruation and ovarian function over about five years, accompanied by hormonal changes.

Perimenopause

Transition phase leading up to menopause characterized by irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Use of estrogen—with or without progesterone—to relieve menopausal symptoms; carries risks such as stroke and breast disease.

Male Climacteric

Midlife changes in men including decreased libido, hair loss, and delayed erection, often influenced by psychological factors.

Generativity

Erikson’s middle-adult drive to guide and nurture the next generation through parenting, mentoring, or creative work.

Stagnation

Erikson’s negative outcome in middle adulthood, leading to inactivity and self-absorption when generativity is unmet.

Empty Nest

Family stage when children leave home, requiring spouses to adjust to changed roles and renewed companionship.

Grandparenting

Middle-adult role offering rewarding interaction with grandchildren, usually without primary disciplining duties.

Parenting the Parent

Role reversal where middle-aged adults assume caregiving responsibilities for aging parents.

Obesity

Condition of being at least 20% over desirable weight; affects more than 40% of U.S. adults.

Basal Metabolism

Body’s resting energy expenditure, which declines in middle adulthood, contributing to weight gain.

Gerontologist

Health professional or researcher who studies older adults and the aging process.