Middle Adulthood Study Notes

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD

Definition of Middle Adulthood

• The stage between early adulthood and retirement, typically ages 40 to 65.
• Different perspectives on age: 40 might feel old for a younger person but young for someone of that age.

Developmental Tasks

• Generativity vs. Stagnation (Erik Erikson's 7th stage):
  • Generativity: Reflecting an interest in contributing to society, guiding the next generation, and making meaningful contributions through family, work, and community.
  • Stagnation: Focused on trivial matters and feeling unfulfilled.

Characteristics of Generativity vs. Stagnation

• Generativity:
  • Desire to give back/assist others.
  • Belief in unique contributions and choices made regarding time.
  • Fulfillment from meaningful activities.
• Stagnation:
  • Dependence on others' opinions.
  • Lack of initiative and difficulty in forming friendships.
  • Low frustration tolerance.

Challenges in Middle Adulthood

• Cognitive functioning and the awareness of mortality.
• Relationship adjustments (e.g., marital changes, loss of income, empty nest syndrome).

Midlife Transition vs. Midlife Crisis

• Midlife Transition: Realigning towards the next life stage positively.
• Midlife Crisis: Grieving lost youth, possibly engaging in reckless behaviors.

The Sandwich Generation

• Refers to individuals supporting both their children and aging parents, dealing with increased financial and emotional responsibilities.

Sexuality in Middle Adulthood

• Career and financial goals often overshadow sexual needs.
• Women may experience heightened sexual desire around this age, with relationships evolving as children leave home.

Reproductive Health Changes

• Climacteric: Transition period of hormonal changes for both men and women, associated with menopause for women.
• Women’s Health: Menopause defined as one year without menstruation, usual onset between ages 35-50. Symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, and psychological changes.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): FDA-approved treatment for menopause symptoms; potential risks include increased cancer and stroke risk.

Men's Health: Male Climacteric (Manopause)

• Changes include low testosterone levels, decrease in muscle mass and strength, and erectile dysfunction. Prostate enlargement and higher urinary challenges are also common.

Health Metrics

• Healthy People 2030 Goals: Improve longevity, manage morbidity, and reduce mortality rates.
• Stress maintenance of fitness and disease prevention, with recommendations of 2.5 hours of moderate activity weekly.

Healthcare Screenings in Middle Adulthood

• Recommended check-ups include:
  • Dental and vision check-ups every 6 months.
  • Yearly flu shot; pneumococcal after age 65; shingles after age 50.
  • Screenings for breast, cervical, prostate cancers, cholesterol, and glucose levels starting at age 45.

Chronic Diseases in Middle Adulthood

• Common conditions include arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Hypertension often detected after age 40, significantly prevalent among overweight individuals.

Education and Teaching Strategies

• Education should focus on individual concerns and chronic illness prevention.
• Important teaching strategies include:
  • Incorporating adult learner independence.
  • Relating information to personal situations and stressors.
  • Utilizing positive reinforcement to validate learning and promote health outcomes.