Chapter. 13

Page 1: Chapter Overview

Title: Young and Middle Adults

  • Introduction to developmental stages that span young adulthood and middle adulthood.

Page 2: Young Adults

Emerging Adulthood

  • Definition: Late teens to mid-20s. A critical period for major life transitions and life decisions aiming for independence.

Young Adulthood

  • Timeframe: Late teens to mid-30s.

  • Primary Tasks:

    • Identity development: Understanding who they want to be.

    • Goal attainment: Establishing personal and professional goals.

    • Transition: Moving away from family.

    • Career establishment: Setting career goals.

    • Relationship decisions: Choosing to marry or remain single.

Physical Changes

  • Typical assessment findings are normal unless illness is present.

  • Growth is completed by age 20; changes in weight and muscle mass depend on diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

Page 3: Psychosocial Changes in Young Adults

Lifestyle Assessment

  • Importance: Helps identify modifiable behaviors impacting health.

  • Areas of focus:

    • General life satisfaction

    • Hobbies and interests

    • Diet and nutrition

    • Sleep hygiene

    • Exercise habits

    • Sexual practices

    • Substance use: caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs

    • Home conditions and health service access

    • Occupational exposure and stress levels

Career Development

  • Education is crucial for successful employment and economic security.

  • Career fulfillment leads to overall life satisfaction.

Sexual Relationships

  • Emotional maturity typically aligns with the ability to engage in healthy sexual relationships.

Childbearing

  • Young adulthood often includes decisions related to pregnancy and family planning.

Page 4: Family Dynamics in Young Adults

Types of Families

  • Singlehood: Many choose to remain single into their late 20s or 30s.

  • Parenthood: Decisions around family start often influenced by societal expectations.

  • Alternative Family Structures: Varied dynamics, including cohabitation without marriage and same-sex parenting.

Emotional Health

  • Support systems and resources are crucial to navigate challenges faced by young adults.

Page 5: Health Risks for Young Adults

Family History

  • Genetic predisposition to diseases can increase risk; e.g., heart disease within family history.

Violent Death and Injury

  • Risk factors include:

    • Poverty

    • Family breakdown

    • Child abuse

    • Substance abuse

    • Exposure to violence

Intimate Partner Violence

  • Spectrum of violence includes physical, sexual, and psychological aspects; results range from minor injuries to fatalities.

Substance Abuse

  • Encompasses alcohol and illicit drugs, with potential for severe health outcomes including death from overdoses.

Other Risks

  • Human Trafficking: Vulnerable young adults, particularly those who are homeless.

  • Unplanned Pregnancies and STIs: Significant health concerns requiring awareness and education.

  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to occupational hazards can lead to chronic diseases.

Page 6: Health Concerns in Young Adults

Health Promotion

  • Education is key to preventing risky behaviors that may lead to serious diseases in adulthood.

Psychosocial Health Risks

  • Job Stress: Contributes to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and inadequate nutrition.

  • Family Stress: Significant life events can impact mental and physical health.

Specific Concerns

  • Infertility issues in both genders.

  • Obesity: Linked to potential future health problems like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

  • Exercise Guidelines: Recommendations include at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise weekly for health maintenance.

Page 7: Health Concerns for Pregnant Women

  • Address prenatal care, physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum, education needs, and psychosocial changes affecting pregnant women and families.

Page 8: Acute and Continuing Care for Young Adults

Acute Care Needs

  • Common causes: accidents, substance abuse, and infectious diseases.

Restorative Care

  • Necessary following serious events like motor vehicle accidents or chronic illnesses such as cancer.

Page 9: Middle Adults Overview

Age Range

  • Described as individuals aged 35-64 years.

Sandwich Generation

  • Many middle adults juggle caring for both their aging parents and their children.

Physical Changes

  • Notable considerations include perimenopause and menopause.

Cognitive Changes

  • Cognitive declines are rare unless induced by illness or trauma.

Page 10: Psychosocial Changes in Middle Adults

Life Events

  • Children leaving home, career changes, and confronting unexpected events (e.g., loss of a partner).

Career Transitions

  • Changes may result from personal choice or labor market shifts.

Sexual Relationships

  • Re-examining relationships as couples often redefine their partnerships.

Family Factors

  • Issues include singlehood, remarriage, and empty nest syndrome due to children leaving home.

Page 11: Health Concerns in Middle Adults

Promotion and Health Literacy

  • Emphasis on health literacy and forming positive health habits to combat anxiety, depression, and chronic conditions.

Specific Concerns

  • Anxiety, depression, and early-onset dementia are prevalent issues that require attention.

Page 12: Community and Continuing Care

Community Health Programs

  • Focus on promoting health within communities.

Acute Care Challenges

  • Middle adults face longer recovery periods due to increased health complexities.

Continuing Care

  • Chronic diseases significantly impact daily roles and responsibilities.