The Aging Experience  

Middle Adulthood Transitions: Critical changes that occur at all stages of life.(Example- Graduating high school, etc…) Generativity: A shifts of attention away from one self in the present to concern for future generations.  Physical transitionsMenopause: Is the stopping of ovulation & menstruation that results from hormone changes. ~During menopause women experience:*Night sweats*Hot flashes*Can not get pregnant

Mental & Emotional Transitions~Question ones self:Have they met their goals?Have they made positive differences in others lives?Do they feel loved and valued?  Social Transitions~Adapt to death of loved ones~Children growing up Empty Nest Syndrome: Feelings of despair or loneliness that accompany children’s leaving home and entering adulthood.

Late Adulthood 

~Retirement from workplace Physical changes:~Skin loss~Organ functions slow down~Immune system becomes less effective~Many diseases occur: cancer, heart disease~Alzheimers- mental deterioration~Parkinsons- muscle function loss  Emotional & Social Changes:Integrity: Feeling of wholeness and contentment. ~Achieve integrity by:*Keeping relationships*Committing to a cause (religion, family) 

Growth of a Lifetime 

Adulthood 

Physical Maturity: State at which the physical body and all its organs are fully developed. Emotional Maturity: State at which the mental and emotional capabilities of an individual are fully developed.

~ Emotional is more important than physical.

*Includes: independence, personal identity, and acceptance of self, strong values & goals

~Mature physically first. 

Developmental Tasks- 4 Aspects:

1. Occupational Role- choosing career 

2. Individual identity & Personal acceptance~Self-actualization: develop ones’ capabilities to their fullest.

(Example: Leaving home & work full-time) 

3. Intimate Relationships~Emotional Intimacy: Ability to experience a caring, loving relationship w/ another person w/ whom you can share your inner-most feelings. 4. Place in Society: (Ex: volunteer work, promote recycling)

~Three ways to determine fitting in society includes:4. Political ideas5. Religious views6. Sense of community responsibility