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.