Health Promotion and Risks for the Middle Adult.docx

Health Promotion and Risks for the Middle Adult Health and Wellness-Scheitlin > Unit 9 Introduction to Health Promotion and Risks for the Middle Adult Middle adulthood is the period between the mid-thirties and the mid- sixties. During the middle adult years, personal and career achievements have been experienced. Middle adults find satisfaction in helping the younger generation achieve success. Many middle adults lead productive and enriching lives. However, those experiencing significant social determinants of health may not be well prepared for this life transition. In this lesson, you will learn normal developmental milestones for the middle adult, as well as ways the healthcare professional can promote healthy middle adulthood. Middle Adults (35–65 Years) The healthcare professional must provide care that meets the needs of the middle adult. During middle adulthood (35-65 years), adults make lasting contributions through involvement with others. Personal and career achievements have been experienced. Many middle adults enjoy helping their children or other young adults become productive and responsible. Middle adults often care for aging parents in addition to their own children. Therefore, middle adulthood is known as the “sandwich generation.” Adults in this age group experience a decline in:  skin turgor and moisture  hair growth and melanin

 visual and auditory acuity  skeletal muscle mass  calcium and bone density  blood vessel elasticity  gastric secretions  estrogen and testosterone  glucose tolerance Middle Adult: Physical Changes The most significant physiological changes during middle adulthood are menopause in women and climacteric in men. Select each tab to learn more.  Menopause  Climacteric Menopause Menstruation and ovulation begin during puberty in adolescence and continue until some time in the middle adult years. Perimenopause is the period of time during which ovarian function is declining. There is a declining number of ova (eggs) and menstrual cycles may become irregular. Perimenopause usually lasts 1 to 3 years.

Menopause occurs once the ovaries no longer produce estrogen and progesterone. It typically occurs between 45 and 60 years of age. Physical and psychological adaptation to menopause varies, with most women aware of physical changes but adapting well.  Menopause  Climacteric

Climacteric Climacteric occurs in males in the late 40s or early 50s. It is caused by decreasing levels of androgens (testosterone). This decline does not affect sperm production but may affect penile erection and ejaculation. Middle Adults: Health Promotion Cognitive decline is rare in middle adulthood, except related to illness or trauma. Psychosocial adaptation involves children moving away from home and unexpected life events, such as job loss or separation from a partner. Select each tab for more details.  Psychosocial, Cognitive, and Moral Development  Body Image and Self-Concept  Lifestyle Psychosocial, Cognitive, and Moral Development Erikson’s stage of psychosocial development is generativity versus stagnation. Middle adults often seize life opportunities and parenting is an important task. They must adjust to changes in physical appearance and ability. Piaget’s stage of cognitive development is formal operations. Reaction time and performance speed slow slightly; however, memory remains intact. Middle adults are secure in their convictions and spiritual beliefs become more important. There is a desire to maintain and strengthen intimate relationships. Children grow into young adults and leave home, creating “empty nest syndrome.” The departure of the last child from the home is a stressor, which may lead to loneliness, sadness, and depression. Eventually, caregivers must reevaluate their relationship without children, which may lead to conflicts and separation.

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