Development of Middle Aged Adult

NUR 353 Growth and Development

Development of middle aged adult (40-60 years)

Dr. Aziza Toson Dr. Wajed Hatamleh Introduction Middle adulthood: 40 -65 years. Middle age is the time of launching children from home, grand parenting, reaching the peak of ones career and preparing for retirement.

Developmental tasks of middle adult hood. 1. accepting adjusting to the physical changes of middle age 2. reviewing and redirecting career goals 3. achieving desired performance in career 4. developing hobbies and leisure activities 5. adjusting to aging parents 6. helping and relating to spouse as a person 7. coping with an empty nest at home Physical development  both men and women experience decrease hormonal production during the middle years  Menopause refer to the change of life in women (occur at 40- 55 years average at 47 years).  Climacteric (andropause) refer the change of life in men . Other changes in body system occur

Physiological changes Appearance: Hair begin to be thin, gray hair, skin texture and moisture decrease, fat deposition in abdomen. Musculoskeletal system: Decrease muscle bulk at 60 years, thin vertebral column cause length about 2.5 cm and calcium resorbotion cause osteoporosis.. Joint stiffness rigidity because of the increased calcium in the tissues total reduction in muscle mass Cardiovascular :  Blood vessels lose its elasticity and become thicker. changes in the rate and rhythm, high blood pressure and hear diseases Sensory perception :  Decrease visual acuity especially for near vision (presbyopia),  decrease hearing acuity Metabolism:  metabolism slow so weight gain may be apparent.

Gastrointestinal system: decrease tone in large intestine lead to constipation.

 Urinary system: glomerular filtration rate decrease .

Reproductive changes

In females;  After 35 years the production of estrogen and progesterone. this causes irregular menstruation and decreased amount of flow  Decreased hormones cause atrophy of external and internal genital organs and decreased pubic hair, and breasts  Complete absence of menstruation for one year is considered as menopause  Many women experience hot flashes  There may be emotional changes in the form of depression, crying and insomnia at the time of menopause  Female sexual drive is not diminished In males  Men experience a significant decrease in sex hormones  Sexual activity decreases  The psychological problems that men experience are related to their fear of getting old and to retirement, boredom and finances

10. Cognitive changes Intelligence level remains generally constant. It is enhanced by the knowledge that comes along with the life experience. This is the time for the fullest use of knowledge and skills.

Psychosocial development Developmental task: generativity versus stagnation

 Generativity is the feeling of voluntary obligation to care for others in the broadest sense  Should establish and maintaining an economic standard of living.  Adjusting and accepting to the physiologic changes of middle age  Feel comforting and respect self  Adjust to aging parents.  it is called the period of stability and consolidation.  Physical function and capabilities decrease with age but mental and social capacities tend to increase

If this is not developed, the middle aged adult develops stagnation. Stagnation means experiencing boredom and a sense of emptiness. This leads to inactivity and chronic complaints

Middle age crisis  At midlife individuals begin to look critically at themselves and their families. he will begin to reassess who he is and what is his role  Marriage may survive if the couple is mature enough and has had a satisfactory life  This is the time when the husband is involved with work and wife is asked to take care of the family This makes her think about her personal life  The self evaluation leads to the fear of losing ones sexuality. Women experience this in their later 30s and men in their 40 s.

Empty nest

 In this stage children may leave home to form a family of their own  This empty nest leaves parents alone as couple again This may cause conflicts in the relationship  This change is difficult for the parent who was involved only in child rearing.  Divorce may result if adjustment is not achieved  Some couple may find this a positive experience ,they find more time for shared activities

Adjustment to aging parents and grandparent role

 This is the time when many individuals assume more responsibility for caring their aging parents  Once the parents are dead, the middle aged adult thinks of life in terms of time left to live rather than time since birth  Maintaining good relationships with grand children can promote growth and development of both grand children and grandparents Work  Self evaluation includes ones work. the person who has been successful may become bored with success  People who haven’t achieved this may become frustrated with low self esteem  During the later part of middle age, they begin planning for retirement

Health Problems  Accidents because of decrease visual acuity.  Cancer  Cardiovascular disease  Obesity: decrease metabolic rate and decrease physical activity.  Alcoholism  Mental health alteration Maintaining healthy adult hood

1. Nutrition: there is less demand for calories as one ages because of less basal energy requirement and lessened physical activity. Saturated fat from animal sources should be decreased or eliminated.

2. Exercise: it improves the circulation and respiratory efficiency. The type of exercise will vary according to the age and medical condition of the individual.

4. Psychosocial care: Middle aged adult needs help to pass through the middle age crisis. They should be encouraged to cope positively with the changes they face and to take responsibility for their decisions