Chapter. 13

Chapter 13: Young and Middle Adults

Overview

This chapter discusses the development stages and health issues related to young and middle adults.

Young Adults

Emerging Adulthood:

  • Time Frame: From late teens to mid-20s.

  • Focus is on becoming independent and making big life changes.

Young Adulthood:

  • Time Frame: From late teens to mid-30s.

  • Important tasks during this time include:

    • Developing your identity and setting goals.

    • Becoming more independent from your family.

    • Establishing career goals and paths.

    • Deciding whether to get married or stay single.

Physical Changes:

  • By age 20, most physical growth is complete.

  • Normal health checks usually show no issues unless there’s an illness.

  • Weight and muscle changes can happen based on diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices.

Psychosocial Changes in Young Adults

Lifestyle Assessment:

This looks at behaviors that can be changed and how they affect health, such as:

  • Overall life satisfaction.

  • Hobbies, diet, sleep patterns, exercise levels, and sexual habits.

  • Use of substances like caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

  • Access to healthcare and dealing with physical or mental stressors.

Career:

  • Education is crucial for financial security and career satisfaction.

Sexuality:

  • It is typical to develop mature sexual relationships during this time.

Childbearing Cycle:

  • Young adults may consider pregnancy and starting a family.

Family Dynamics and Emotional Health

Types of Families:

  • Singlehood: Many delay marriage to their late 20s or 30s.

  • Parenthood: Decisions about starting a family are often influenced by social expectations.

  • Alternative Family Structures: This includes living together without marriage and same-sex parenting.

Emotional Health:

  • Having physical and emotional support is essential for well-being.

Health Risks for Young Adults

Family History:

  • Some diseases, like heart disease, can run in families.

Violent Death and Injury:

  • Related factors include poverty, family issues, child abuse, drug use, and access to weapons.

Intimate Partner Violence:

  • This includes physical and sexual abuse, stalking, and injuries that can be severe or even life-threatening.

Substance Abuse:

  • Drug and alcohol use can lead to addiction and overdose.

Human Trafficking:

  • A serious issue mainly affecting vulnerable people, including runaways.

Unplanned Pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

  • These can lead to long-lasting health problems.

Health Concerns for Young Adults

Health Promotion:

  • Education is important for preventing risky choices that can lead to health issues.

Psychosocial Health:

  • Job stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors.

  • Family stress may come from different life changes.

Infertility:

  • Can affect both men and women.

Obesity:

  • Linked to inactivity and poor diet, and raises the risk of future health problems.

Exercise Recommendations:

  • Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week; 5 hours is best for overall health.

Health Concerns for Pregnant Women

  • Focus on prenatal care and the changes that come with pregnancy.

  • Address issues after giving birth as well.

  • Education and support are crucial for dealing with emotional changes during this time.

Acute and Continuing Care

Acute Care Issues:

  • Common problems include accidents, substance abuse, and infections, espiratory infections, gastroenteritis, influenza, urinary tract infections, and minor surgery.

Restorative and Continuing Care:

  • Often related to ongoing health issues or recovery from trauma, like multiple sclerosis or arthritis,AIDS, and cancer.

Middle Adults

Age Range:

  • From ages 35 to 64 years.

Sandwich Generation:

  • Balancing care responsibilities for aging parents while raising children.

Physical Changes:

  • Includes menopause and changes during the transition period.

Cognitive Changes:

  • Cognitive decline is rare unless caused by specific illness or injury.

Psychosocial Changes in Middle Adults

Expected Events:

  • Common changes include children moving out, job changes, and unexpected personal challenges.

Career Transition:

  • Career changes may happen voluntarily or due to changes in the job market.

Sexuality:

  • This stage often brings redefined relationships.

Family Dynamics:

  • Changes may come from separation, divorce, or caring for older parents.

Health Concerns in Middle Adults

Health Promotion:

  • Focus on reducing stress and managing obesity.

Health Literacy:

  • Understanding health information is crucial for making informed decisions.

Psychosocial Health:

  • May include concerns like anxiety, depression, and early signs of dementia.

Community Health and Continuing Care

Community Health Programs:

  • Community resources are vital for maintaining health.

Acute Care:

  • Usually involves longer recovery times.

Restorative and Continuing Care Needs:

  • Chronic illnesses can significantly impact daily life roles and responsibilities.