PSYC-225: Ch 14 - Middle Adulthood: Physical and Cognitive Development

Middle adulthood

A flexible life stage that begins when adults establish independent lives and ends when they recognize themselves as old

Ageism

A common form of prejudice against people based on their age

Abelism

Discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities

Menopause

A hormonal change in midlife, in which the ovaries stop releasing hormones, causing menstrual periods to end

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

The inability to maintain an erection

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

The leading cause of death in middle adulthood that includes a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks, stroke, abnormal heart rhythms, coronary artery disease, and heart failure

Health disparities

Differences in the rate of health conditions based on social categories

Crystallized reasoning

Our ability to use what we know to solve problems

Fluid reasoning

The basic underpinning of our cognitive abilities, including attention, memory skills, and processing speed

Peak career

The highest income and status adults will have at work