Early Adulthood

• What age range defines early adulthood?

  19-39 years
• What physical peak do individuals reach at the beginning of early adulthood?

  Individuals reach their physical peak or physical maturity
• How does physical ability change as individuals progress through early adulthood?

  They experience a decline in physical abilities compared to earlier life stages
• What happens to fertility during early adulthood?

  Fertility starts to drop for both men and women
• What is menopause and when does it typically occur?

  Menopause is a process some women start going through towards the end of early adulthood, though it is most common in middle age
• What happens to metabolic rate during early adulthood?

  Metabolic rate drops
• What physical changes may occur in hair during early adulthood?

  Hair may go grey
• What skin changes may individuals experience during early adulthood?

  Wrinkles may appear
• How might eyesight change during early adulthood?

  Eyesight may decline
• What is the significance of the ages 19-30 in terms of physical development?

  Growth is completed and individuals are at the height of their physical powers and reproductive peak
• What signs of aging appear between the ages of 30-39?

  Signs of aging such as grey hair and wrinkles appear due to the skin losing elasticity
• What hair change may men experience during early adulthood?

  Men may begin to lose hair and go bald
• What cognitive abilities are individuals capable of during early adulthood?

  They are capable of abstract thoughts
• How is memory described during early adulthood?

  Individuals have a good memory
• What cognitive skill allows individuals to process information quickly during early adulthood?

  They can think very quickly
• How does intellectual development progress during early adulthood?

  Intellectual development continues through this life stage
• What activities might individuals engage in to develop their knowledge during early adulthood?

  Studying at university, training for employment, or in employment
• What life skills are developed during early adulthood?

  Living independently, managing a budget, running a home, and parenting skills
• What cognitive abilities are well developed during early adulthood?

  The ability to problem solve and think logically
• How can additional skills be developed during early adulthood?

  Through promotion at work, further training, or life changes
• What opportunities may expand during early adulthood?

  Opportunities for travel may expand
• What knowledge may individuals gain during early adulthood?

  Knowledge of different countries and cultures
• What emotional experiences might individuals seek during early adulthood?

  Individuals may look for a steady relationship to experience positive emotions
• What feelings may arise from marriage and having children during early adulthood?

  Feelings of being loved, valued, a sense of belonging, and bonding with a partner
• How do close relationships impact individuals during early adulthood?


  Individuals may bond with those they have close and loving relationships with
• What is a common characteristic of individuals in early adulthood regarding independence?


  Most individuals are independent in this life stage
• What types of problems may cause stress during early adulthood?

  Relationship problems, work-related stress, financial problems, and other issues
• What social opportunities do individuals have in the early years of early adulthood?


  They may have few commitments and the time and money to participate in a wide range of social activities
• What types of social activities might individuals engage in during early adulthood?


  Going on holiday with friends and forming new friendships
• What types of relationships do individuals typically have during early adulthood?


  Individuals may have a wide range of relationships including intimate/sexual, family, friendships, and working relationships
• How do commitments affect social activities as individuals progress through early adulthood?


  As individuals take on commitments such as marriage, there may be less money and time for social activities
• What may happen to old friendships as individuals progress through early adulthood?

  Contact with old friends may be lost
• What new friendships may be formed during early adulthood?

  New friendships with parents of their children's friends may be formed