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13.1
Physical Development in Middle Adulthood
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In middle adulthood, the brain processes information differently. Processing speed slows because of increased distractibility and cortical activation during cognitive tasks, while the positivity effect causes greater cognitive attention to positive stimuli.
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Middle age brings a decrease in the sharpness of sensory systems, such as vision and hearing. Presbyopia results in loss of visual acuity. Presbycusis results in the loss of hearing acuity.
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The body in middle adulthood experiences numerous changes, such as loss of muscle, bone density, and skin elasticity.
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While changes in cognitive processing, sensory acuity, and body health are a natural part of aging, healthy diet and exercise, paired with positive social interactions and attitude, can mitigate many of the physical and psychological effects.
13.2
Reproductive and Sexual Changes in Middle Adulthood
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Middle adulthood is a time of reproductive change. People will likely have children at the beginning of middle adulthood and then experience reproductive declines later in middle adulthood, known as the climacteric.
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Pregnancy causes a significant increase in estrogen and progesterone, which can cause changes in sensations, as well as breast swelling and loosening of the connective tissues throughout the body.
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Females in midlife experience menopause when sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone gradually decline, resulting in diminished reproductive ability as well as both temporary and long-term effects to their cognitive and physical well-being.
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Middle-aged males experience a gradual decline in testosterone and sperm production, which decreases their reproductive ability and increases the risk of osteoporosis and ED.
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Although they may have sex less frequently than younger adults, many middle-aged people continue to experience satisfying sex lives, and this is associated with positive physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes.
13.3
Cognition in Middle Adulthood
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In middle adulthood, cognition undergoes subtle changes to memory, problem-solving ability, and processing speed. While some aspects of cognition decline (such as the efficiency of working memory and processing/perceptual speed), others remain stable or increase (such as practical problem-solving).
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Intelligence in middle adulthood demonstrates increases in crystalized functions and stability in fluid ones. Wisdom may be developed with experience.
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Creativity reaches a high point for many in middle age with the combination of divergent and convergent thinking processes.
13.4
Maintaining Health and Well-Being in Middle Adulthood
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Middle adulthood brings a rise in health concerns for many. Chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, replace unintentional injury as the leading causes of death.
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The frequency of certain cancers in middle adulthood is increasing. Health behaviors that can reduce cancer risk include not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and receiving certain vaccinations.
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Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in middle adulthood. Risk is increased by high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
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Changes in body composition and weight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Several factors including regular exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and high-quality sleep contribute to adult health and promote successful aging of the mind and body.
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Stress can advance aging but can be managed through social support and adopting a healthy mindset.
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Most adults have experienced a traumatic event by midlife. Resilience is promoted by social support and a hopeful mindset.
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Work-life balance is affected by earnings, policies, workplace locations, and schedules. While job satisfaction generally increases with age, particularly when adults are able to move from one workplace, those with high amounts of work dissatisfaction may experience burnout.