Term
vision changes in middle adulthood |
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Definition
-weakening in muscle and growth in lens size causes decline in accommodation (ability to focus and maintain an object) creates difficulty in viewing close objects -pupil shrinks and lens yellows limiting ability to see in dim light and color discrimination -reduce blood supply may decrease size of visual field and increase blind spot size |
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Term
| hearing changes in middle adulthood |
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Definition
14-25% adults ages 45-64 have hearing loss hereditary and age-related declines starts with loss at HIGH frequencies mens declines faster than womens |
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Term
| weight and body changes in middle adulthood |
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Definition
slowed metabolism increase in body fat and loss of lean body mass gradual loss in bone mass and density disks in spinal column move closer (shrinkage) |
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Term
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Definition
men: -reach sexual peak in 20s -ejaculation becomes less intense for men -men need more time to recuperate women: -reach sexual peak in 30s -feel less sexual due to body changes and menopause |
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Term
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Definition
~50 estrogen levels drop ovulation winds down hot flashes mood swings thin/less lubricated vaginal walls more painful sex defining marker: no menstruation for 1 yr some women enjoy, no risk of pregnancy and no periods |
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Term
| Erikson's Middle Age Psychosocial Conflict |
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Definition
generativity vs. stagnation reaching out to others in ways to give to/guide the next generation making a lasting contribution highly generative people more fulfilled self-absorption, preoccupied with themselves |
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Term
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Definition
biological: give birth parental: nurturing children work: skills passed on, mentoring cultural: creative output, politics |
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Term
| Levinson's Transition to Middle Adulthood (40-45) |
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Definition
transition is time of turmoil and confusion, work to reevaluate life reconcile 4 opposing tendencies: young-old destruction-construction masculinity-femininity engagement-separateness successful transition: reduce opposing tendencies |
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Term
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Definition
state of physical and psychological distress that arises when developmental tasks threaten to overwhelm a person's internal resources and social support system no evidence that midlife has exceptional stress midlife crisis NOT a universal experience |
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Term
| changes in self-concept and personality |
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Definition
little change in basic personality increase in self-acceptance rise in introspective increase in autonomy fewer possible selves (future) increase in sense of environmental mastery increase in effective coping strategies |
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Term
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Definition
u shaped curve stage of "stability" or "working through" accepting relationships strengths and weaknesses conflict patterns predictable/familiar expectations are more realistic |
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Term
| Lauer (1995) reasons for marital success |
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Definition
spouse as best friend marriage as long-term commitment liking spouse as a person laughing together frequently agreeing on aims and goals |
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Term
| conflict-habituated couples |
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Definition
| underlying tension and conflict |
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Term
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Definition
| discrepancy from earlier years |
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Term
| passive-congenial couples |
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Definition
| indifference in norm throughout |
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Term
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Definition
| genuine warmth and closeness |
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Term
| total relationship couples |
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Definition
| similar to vital, marriage becomes primary identity |
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