GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Young Adulthood (20-30 Years of Age)

1. Stage of development - psychosocial stage: intimacy versus isolation.


2. Physical development
1. At the height of bodily vigor.
2. Maximum level of strength, muscular development, height, and cardiac and respiratory capacity; also, period of peak sexual capacity for men.


3. Cognitive development
1. Close to peak of intelligence, memory, and abstract thought.
2. Maximum ability to solve problems and learn new skills.


4. Socialization
1. Has a vision of the future and imagines various possibilities for self.
2. Defines and tests out what can be accomplished.
3. Seeks out a mentor to emulate as a guiding, though transitional, figure; the mentor is usually a mixture of parent, teacher, and friend who serves as a role model to support and facilitate the developing vision of self.
4. Grows from a beginning to a fuller understanding of own authority and autonomy.
5. Transfers an interest into an occupation or profession; crucial work choice may be made after one has knowledge, judgment, and self-understanding, usually at the end of young adulthood; when the choice is deferred beyond these years, valuable time is lost.
6. Experiments with and chooses a lifestyle.
7. Forms mature peer relationships with the opposite sex.
8. Overcomes guilt and anxiety about the opposite sex and learns to understand the masculine and feminine aspects of self, as well as the adult concept of roles.
9. Learns to take the opposite sex seriously and may choose someone for a long-term relationship.
10. Accepts the responsibilities and pleasures of parenthood.

Adulthood (31-45 Years of Age)

1. Stage of development - psychosocial stage: generativity versus self-absorption.


2. Physical development
1. Gradual decline in biological functioning, although in the late 30s the individual is still near peak.
2. Period of peak sexual capacity for women occurs during the mid-30s.
3. Distinct sense of bodily decline occurs around 40 years of age.
4. Circulatory system begins to slow somewhat after 40 years of age.


3. Cognitive development
1. Takes longer to memorize.
2. Still at peak in abstract thinking and problem solving.
3. Generates new levels of awareness.
4. Gives more meaning to complex tasks.


4. Socialization
1. Achieves a realistic self-identity.
2. Perceptions are based on reality.
3. Acts on decisions and assumes responsibility for actions.
4. Accepts limitations while developing assets.
5. Delays immediate gratification in favor of future satisfaction.
6. Evaluates mistakes, determines reasons and causes, and learns new behavior.
7. Struggles to establish a place in society.
1. Begins to settle down.
2. Pursues long-range plans and goals.
3. Has a stronger need to be responsible.
4. Invests self as fully as possible in social structure, including work, family, and community.
8. Seeks advancement by improving and using skills, becoming more creative, and pursuing ambitions.

Middle Life (46-64 Years of Age)

1. Stage of development - psychosocial stage: continuation of generativity versus self-absorption.


2. Physical development
1. Failing eyesight, especially for close vision, may be one of the first symptoms of aging.
2. Hearing loss is very gradual, especially for low sounds; hearing for high-pitched sounds is impaired more readily.
3. There is a gradual loss of taste buds in the 50s and gradual loss of sense of smell in the 60s, causing the individual to have a diminished sense of taste.
4. Muscle strength declines because of decreased levels of estrogen and testosterone; it takes more time to accomplish the same physical task.
5. Lung capacity is impaired, which adds to decreased endurance.
6. The skin begins to wrinkle, and hair begins graying.
7. Postural changes take place because of loss of calcium and reduced activity.