Ch 12

• Adulthood and Aging
• Adulthood is marked by society's expectations of performing one's duty as an adult
• Special roles and relationships like family and career are major milestones of adulthood
• Young Adulthood:

  • People are autonomous and enjoy independence
  • Financially less dependent on parental family
  • Choose appropriate career
  • Time to settle down and start a family life
• Middle Adulthood:

  • Competence, maturity, responsibility, and stability
  • Focus on job satisfaction, family, health, and future planning
  • Menopause occurs between 45-50 in women
  • Men show concern towards health, strength, power, and sexual potency
• Old Age:

  • Begins at age 60
  • Individuals may lose jobs and develop concerns about physical and psychological health
  • Some may experience emotional insecurity due to loss of spouses
  • Physical and cognitive changes occur with advancing age
• Physical Changes in Old Age:

  • External changes: graying hair, aging skin, posture shift, wrinkles
  • Internal changes: respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and central nervous system changes
  • Changes in sensory capacities: gradual slowdown in sensory abilities
• Cognitive Changes in Old Age:

  • Memory, learning, attention, and speed of performance get affected
  • Aged people report forgetfulness, difficulty in learning, and decreased responsiveness to environmental stimulus
  • Dementia and Alzheimer's are common diseases of old age
• Coping Strategies for Aging:

  • Leading a disciplined life with proper rest, work habits, nutrition, and spirituality
  • Developing flexibility, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and an active approach towards the environment
  • Increasing social support through enlarging social networks and participating in group activities
• Value of Aged People in Society:

  • Aged individuals are considered to have vast knowledge and experience
  • Staying with and respecting aged people facilitates personal and multi-dimensional growth
  • Multi-generational structure in Indian society supports the importance of aged individuals