Module 4: Expectations

Define midlife and discuss how midlife is changing. Midlife is typically defined as the period between ages 40 and 65. This stage involves various transitions and transformations in physical health, cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, social roles, and career dynamics.

Changing aspects of midlife include: Increased longevity and healthier lifestyles are shifting perceptions of midlife. Advances in technology and flexible work arrangements are reshaping career paths and work-life balance. Cultural shifts towards later life milestones, such as delayed childbearing and prolonged education, influence midlife experiences.

Discuss physical and cognitive changes in midlife and late adulthood.

Midlife: Decreases in muscle mass, bone density, and skin elasticity. Onset of menopause for women.

Late adulthood: Increased risk of chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Declines in sensory abilities (vision, hearing). '

Cognitive Changes

Midlife: Stable cognitive functions, with some decline in processing speed and memory retrieval.

Late adulthood: Noticeable declines in working memory, executive function, and processing speed. However, crystallized intelligence (knowledge from past experiences) often remains stable or improves.

Characterize career development, work, and leisure in middle adulthood.

Career Development: Often a peak period for career achievement and leadership roles. Midlife career transitions may occur, including shifts to new industries or entrepreneurial endeavors.

Work and Leisure: Balancing work with family responsibilities and personal interests. Increased focus on leisure activities and hobbies, which contribute to life satisfaction and stress reduction.

Explain the roles of religion, spirituality, and meaning in life during middle adulthood. Religion and spirituality often become more significant as individuals seek deeper meaning and purpose. Engagement in religious or spiritual practices can provide emotional support, community belonging, and coping mechanisms during life transitions.

Describe personality theories and socioemotional development in middle adulthood.

Personality Theories

Erikson’s theory: Generativity vs. Stagnation stage, where individuals focus on contributing to society and guiding the next generation.

Trait theories: Stability in core personality traits (e.g., Big Five) with potential for growth in areas like agreeableness and conscientiousness.

Socioemotional Development: Emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and maintaining social networks. Greater emotional regulation and stability compared to earlier life stages.

Discuss stability and change in development in middle adulthood as reflected in longitudinal studies. Longitudinal studies show that personality traits tend to remain relatively stable, but significant life events can lead to changes. Indicate ongoing potential for cognitive and emotional growth and adaptation.

Identify some important aspects of close relationships in middle adulthood.
Marital satisfaction often stabilizes or improves, particularly as children leave home. Friendships and social networks play crucial roles in emotional support and overall well-being. Navigating relationships with aging parents and emerging adult children.

Characterize longevity and discuss biological theories of aging.

Longevity: Influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices, healthcare access, and social factors. Increasing due to advances in medicine and improved living conditions.

Biological Theories: Cellular clock theory: Aging results from the shortening of telomeres.

Free radical theory: Accumulation of damage caused by free radicals leads to aging.

Hormonal stress theory: Aging is accelerated by prolonged exposure to stress hormones.

Identify health problems in older adults and describe how they can be treated. Common issues include arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia. Treatments: Medication management, physical therapy, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), and preventive healthcare (regular screenings).

Describe the cognitive functioning of older adults. Cognitive functioning declines in fluid intelligence (problem-solving, processing speed) but stable or improved crystallized intelligence. Variability in cognitive aging; some individuals maintain high levels of cognitive function, while others experience significant decline.

Discuss aging and adaptation to work and retirement.

Adaptation to Work: Older adults may face challenges in adapting to new technologies and work environments. Flexible work arrangements and phased retirement can facilitate continued engagement.

Retirement: Transition to retirement involves adjusting to changes in identity, routine, and social networks. Active engagement in hobbies, volunteer work, and social activities can enhance well-being.

Describe mental health problems in older adults. Depression, anxiety, and dementia are common. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication, social support, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.

Discuss four theories of socioemotional development and aging.

Erikson’s theory: Integrity vs. Despair, reflecting on life with a sense of fulfillment or regret.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: Older adults prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and relationships.

Activity Theory: Staying active and engaged leads to greater life satisfaction.

Disengagement Theory: Gradual withdrawal from social roles as a natural part of aging.

Describe links between personality and mortality, and identify changes in the self and society in late adulthood.  Traits like conscientiousness and optimism are linked to longer life expectancy. Greater focus on self-reflection, legacy, and adapting to societal roles as elders.

Characterize the families and social relationships of aging adults. Grandparenting roles and maintaining connections with children and grandchildren. Importance of social networks and friendships for emotional support and health.

Summarize how ethnicity, gender, and culture are linked with aging. Cultural attitudes towards aging can influence the experience and treatment of older adults. Ethnic and gender differences in access to resources, healthcare, and social support impact aging.

Explain how to age successfully.  Involves maintaining physical health, cognitive function, and active engagement in life.  Positive attitude, social connections, and proactive health management are key factors.

Evaluate issues in determining death and decisions regarding death.  Ethical and legal considerations in defining death (e.g., brain death criteria). Decisions regarding end-of-life care, advance directives, and palliative care.s. Sternberg's triangular theory of love includes intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Describe the death system and its cultural and historical contexts. Comprises the people, places, times, objects, and symbols associated with death. Cultural and historical variations in practices, rituals, and attitudes towards death.

Explain the psychological aspects involved in facing one's own death and the contexts in which people die. Fear, acceptance, and preparation are common responses to facing death. Contexts include hospice care, home, hospitals, and sudden or unexpected settings.

Identify ways to cope with the death of another person. Grieving processes, support groups, therapy, and rituals can help individuals cope with loss. Importance of social support, memorial activities, and finding meaning in the loss.