Early Adulthood

Biological Domain

Biological Aging

Asynchronous Different body systems have different

patterns of biological aging Wide range of individual differences;

Not fixed Numerous factors influence outcomes

Life Expectancy Number of years someone born in a

given year can expect to live Gains during 20th century amazing Influencing factors

– nutrition, access to medical resources, improved sanitation and safety

Major numeric influence -reduction of infant mortality

Group differences - M > F

Maximum Lifespan and Active Lifespan Maximum lifespan - genetic limit to

length of life– Current range - 70 - 110

Active lifespan– Expectation for a vigorous life– Currently 64– Typical age of onset of frailness - 85

Senescence Age-related changes Noted in the late 20s and early 30s Senescence usually identified first in skin

changes Changes in reserve capacity

– Organ reserve - extra capacity of organs to “go the extra mile”

– Example - running up a flight of stairs

Primary and Secondary Aging

Primary aging– Inevitable, basic aging process– Actually slower and later than expected

Secondary aging– Results from environmental risks, lifestyle

choices– Not inevitable– Potentially reversible

Prime of Health

Less illness Fewer hospitalizations Factors:

– age– genetics– access to health care– lifestyle choices

Physical Changes in the 20s and 30s (1) Cardiovascular System

– Heart disease = leading cause of adult deaths– Hypertension– Atherosclerosis

Respiratory Changes– Decrease in lung capacity

Organ reserve declines with age– Changes not generally noted in early adults

Physical Changes (2) Motor Performance

– Peaks between 20 and 30– Key to sustaining capability - practice / training– Decline in strength and speed– Declines may be due to sedentary lifestyle

Immune System (declines after 20)– Changes in thymus– Stress

Reproduction– Fertility declines with age

Athletic Performance

Minor changes in strength, reaction time, and lung efficiency can have tremendous impact on athletic performance

“Hall of Fame” winners peak a bit later than average

Dependent on lifestyle choices

Factors Associated with Health and Fitness Nutrition

– Overweight; High fat diets– Importance of calcium– Changes in metabolism

Exercise– Regular exercise = 20 min 3 times per week– Moderate intensity exercise enhances immune

system– Prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease– Mental health benefits

Other Life Style Choices and Health Smoking

– Health risks clear Alcohol consumption

– depressant– involvement in family violence

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