adult life

Sex Education

Age-appropriate education about puberty, reproductive changes, and responsible sexual practices.

Thelarche

Beginning of breast development in females and the first sign of female sexual maturity.

Adrenarche

Development of pubic and axillary hair due to adrenal androgen production.

Menarche

First menstrual period and generally the last listed sign of female sexual maturity.

Nocturnal Emission

Involuntary ejaculation during sleep, commonly called a wet dream.

Peer Pressure

Influence exerted by individuals of the same age group on another person's behavior.

Body Image

An individual's perception and feelings about their physical appearance.

Young Adult

Developmental stage from 20 to 40 years of age.

Middle-Age Adult

Developmental stage from 40 to 65 years of age.

Older Adult

Developmental stage beginning at 65 years of age.

Activity Theory

Theory stating that an individual's satisfaction depends on their involvement in activities.

Continuity Theory

Theory stating that an individual's characteristics remain relatively constant throughout life.

Formal Education

Organized learning activities commonly pursued during young adulthood.

Postconventional Morality

Moral reasoning based on personal beliefs, principles, and values.

Midlife Crisis

Period when middle-aged adults feel they have accomplished little or failed to meet earlier expectations.

Andropause

Age-related changes in men involving decreased testosterone and sexual activity.

Menopause

Permanent cessation of menstruation, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Generativity

Concern for establishing, guiding, and contributing to the next generation.

Stagnation

Preoccupation with oneself and difficulty contributing to others.

Cardiovascular Changes

Age-related changes involving reduced elasticity of the heart and arteries and increased systolic blood pressure.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged veins that commonly develop due to weakened vein walls and valves.

Neurons

Nerve cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the nervous system.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that transmit signals between nerve cells.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Lacrimal Glands

Glands that produce tears to lubricate and protect the eyes.

Respiratory Changes

Age-related changes involving decreased lung elasticity, muscle tone, and functioning alveoli.

Musculoskeletal Changes

Age-related changes involving bone calcium loss, reduced flexibility, and muscle stiffness.

Gastrointestinal Changes

Age-related changes involving oral mucosal atrophy and impaired chewing.

Integumentary Changes

Age-related changes involving dry skin, decreased skin turgor, wrinkles, and thinning or graying hair.

Skin Turgor

Skin elasticity used to assess hydration and changes in skin condition.

Prostate Enlargement

Increase in prostate gland size that commonly occurs with aging.

Integrity

Acceptance of one's life and feeling a sense of worth from helping others.

Despair

Negative feelings associated with dissatisfaction or regret about one's life.

Aging

Complex process involving biological, psychosocial, cultural, and experiential changes.

Young Old

Adults aged 65 to 74 years.

Old

Adults aged 75 to 84 years.

Old-Old

Adults aged 85 to 94 years.

late adulthood

65 years and above