Middle Adulthood AGE 40 65 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Physical

Middle Adulthood AGE 40 -65 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Physical Qualities and Changes �Skin wrinkles �Hair may thin and start to turn gray �Age spots appear �Teeth may become more yellow �Nails thicken and become more brittle

Menopause � Reproductive capacity is lessoned or sometimes lost for men and women, this is called climacteric. � Women experience perimenopause a few years before. Hot flashes are common with this. Periods will become irregular and eventually stop.

Climacteric Continued � For men it happens gradually and many men can father into older adulthood. � Men experience a decline in testosterone and women experience a decline in estrogen. This can cause mood swings for both.

Changes in Sensory Skills � Diminished hearing occurs. � The loss of visual acuity or sharpness is more noticeable. � Presbyopia (difficulty seeing close up) becomes an issue and many people need reading glasses or bifocals.

Changes in Muscle Mass and Bone Density � Sarcopenia is the term for loss of muscle mass and bone density. � Men and women see more fat tissue collect around the stomach area. � Women notice more fat tissue in the hips and thighs than in years past. �A calcium deficiency called osteoporosis is common in women so women need plenty of calcium. � Physical activity can reduce the effects of aging.

Nutrition, Sleep, and Physical Activity � Extra � It weight can complicate health issues. can also be hard on ones knees and back. � The average person will gain 10 to 20 pounds (1 to 2 lbs. a year) throughout middle age without a healthy diet and exercise plan. � Reducing calorie intake by 100 calories a day and taking daily walks helps. � Adults still need 7 -9 hours of sleep each night.

Medical Care � Regular � Certain annual exams remain important. health screenings are recommended at specific ages. � Mammograms (breast exam) for women who turn 40. � If there is a history of certain family illnesses or cancer then other screenings will be important. � For instance, colonoscopies are done at age 50 for anyone who has a family history of colon cancer. � Continue with 2 dental visits per year and an eye visit.

Health and Disease � Diabetes and arthritis are examples of chronic illnesses that are common in middle adulthood. � Cancer and heart disease are more common with aging. � Heredity � Nutrition, and environment play a role. lifestyle, stress factors, and exercise all play key roles as well. � Prevention measures are key!

Checkpoint Questions 1 - What age range is middle adulthood? 2 - What key bodily changes can be expected in middle adulthood? 3 - What are the symptoms on menopause? 4 - What is osteoporosis? What nutrient helps with this issue? 5 - How can adults decrease the risk of gradual weight gain? 6 - List 2 screenings or exams that doctors recommend for this age.