Overview

Growth & Development

19 – 65+ years

Activity – Look at this image - complete activity sheet1

Stereotypes?

“Are we in danger of making assumptions about old and young people just based on the way that they look and what we see in the media?”

Physical

Adulthood & Middle Age (19-65)

Little further growth in heightMuscle building continues through

increased work & leisure pursuits.Weight gain mid 20’s onwards (less

strenuous activity & more sedentary work patterns)

Dictated by lifestyle

Male & Female

Male : 20-50 male menopause – reduction in production of testosterone

Female : Menopause -45-55 decline in fertility resulting in complete cessation

Night sweats, bloatedness, anxiety, tiredness, confusion, weepiness.

Generic physical changes

Hair loss in malesGreying hairEye sight degeneratesHearing lossSkin less elastic – wrinklesOsteoporosis – brittle bonesStiff joints – arthritisLess active so weight gain (middle age

spread)

Later Adulthood (65+)

By 2030 1/3 of the UK population will be 60+

Physical and mental changeSexual activity declinesSkin elasticity reduces furtherBlood capillaries more fragile – bruising

Later Adulthood (65+)

CNS cell loss – poor memory, slower reaction times, senses less acute

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/memory/programmes/me_and_my_memory5.shtml

Activity 2 Progressive hearing loss – presbyacusisProgressive sight deterioration –

presbyopiaSensitivity to cold is lost

Continued…..

Heart, breathing and circulation less efficient

Muscle thins and weakens - as muscle cells die they are not replaced , joints less mobile

Shrinkage in heightWound healing & infection resistance

declineOrgan function declines

Positive aspects to old age

Combination of tolerance, wisdom and experience enable avoidance of mistakes that younger inexperienced adults make.

Healthy older people have greater emotional control and developed self concept

Socially older people have more time to appreciate people and their environment

Social, emotional and cultural.

Early adulthood

Right to vote defines social category of adulthood

Network of friend continues to developEstablish sexual relationships and

partnershipsAdapting to social and emotional

pressuresBalancing of work and relationships

Holmes and Rahe Stress Test

A catalogue of life events to which people frequently have to adapt

A general overview of likelihood of developing illness, having an accident etc….(Researched in the 1960’s)

Have a go:- http://www.sensemassage.co.uk/testyourself.ht

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Middle Adulthood

Maintain work roles, relationships and meeting family commitments.

Supporting parents as well as children

Stressful balancing financing of chosen lifestyle, meeting commitments to parents, children, partner, friends and community.

Later Adulthood

Pension age defines ‘elderly’ statusYoung old 65-80Reject of ‘old’ even at 80+ Social class, wealth, health, gender &

ethnicity more impact on life than age

Key age related issues

RetirementFree time- Loneliness Remaining physically and mentally active Risk of disabilityFinances

Successful Ageing

Lifestyle, relationships, habits –adaptation to change

Preparation – Physical exercise, maintaining social networks, avoidance of stress and poverty, developing a positive view of self and ageing

Final Stage of Life

Cultural norms and social support have major influence

Fear / refusal to think about deathReligion as protectionReadiness due to physical declineSocial importanceSelf esteem important in dyingDeath as the final stage of growth