Middle adulthood (46-65years)

• Physical development

  Middle aged spread - eat the same as they did but may not be as active so gain weight.

  Loss of skin elasticity - wrinkles

  Loss of muscle tone and strength

  Greying and thinning of hair

  Hair loss

  Menopause
• What is menopause?


  Between ages of 45-55 years fertility reduces and then comes to an end - several years to complete.

  1. Ending of menstruation and reduction of fertile eggs in the ovaries
  2. An increase in hormone gonadotropins that try to stimulate egg production which can cause irritability.
  3. Affects the hypothalamus in the brain which regulates temperature causing hot flushes and night sweats.
  4. Reduction in progesterone and oestrogen resulting in shrinkage of the sex organs and causes low sex drive.
  5. Increased risk of osteoporosis due to reduction in oestrogen.
• Symptoms of menopause?


  Mood changes, anxiety and depression are common due to a reduction of oestrogen. Oestrogen regulates neurotransmitters that affects mood.

  Overwhelming sadness that they can no longer have children and this can affect their self image.

  Self esteem and self image can become low which may have an impact on self confidence and on quality of life during this transitional stage.
• Intellectual development

  Think through problems and make sound judgements using life experiences.

  May be gradual decline in the speed of processing information.

  Brain cells continue to be made at any age but the brain needs stimulation. May have been doing the same job for many years so may not be learning new skills or may have retired early.

  Could do quizzes, puzzles, learn a new language or read
• Emotional development

  May be a time when people reach the peak of their career with a high status job role. Lead to positive self image, high self esteem and high self worth as they may feel a sense of achievement.

  Or they may become more difficult or challenging as they age and may lead to early retirement which may lead to them having a loss of independence, loss of relationships and therefore lower their self image, self esteem and self worth.
• Social development

  May experience time pressures that may limit their social activity. May have to split their time between work, caring for parents or grandchildren. May limit their time to socialise. Or may have fewer responsibilities, teenage children may be at university or may have moved out.

  Likely to reach the peak of their career and may have a more disposable income that gives more independence, choice and freedom.

  But changes to the pension may result in individuals working longer or taking on part time work when retired.