Developmental Psychology - Physical, Cognitive Development 45–65 - Quick Guides

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Study GuideDevelopmental Psychology–Physical, CognitiveDevelopment: 45–651. Health: Age 45–65For many people, health during middle adulthood is generallygood to excellent. In the UnitedStates, middle-aged adults tend to be healthier if they arecollege educated,financially stable(earning over $35,000 a year), andwhite. However, health is not the same for everyone, and somegroups face more challenges than others.1.1Common Health ConcernsEven though many adults feel healthy during this stage, certain health problems become morecommon. These include:•Arthritis•Asthma and bronchitis•Heart disease•Diabetes•High blood pressure (hypertension)•Genitourinary disorders•Mental health disorders•Stroke (also called a cerebrovascular accident)In addition,AIDShas become a growing health concern for people in this age group.1.2Stress in Middle AdulthoodStress is a part of life at every age, but it often feels especially intense during middle adulthood.Stress happens when people feel that the demands placed on them may exceed their ability to cope.

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Study GuideMiddle-aged adults face many possible stressors, such as:•Raising children or supporting family members•Paying a mortgage or managing finances•Fear of job loss or layoffs•Learning new technologies that are constantly changing•Coping with long-term health problems1.3Not All Stress Is BadInterestingly, not all stress comes from negative events. PsychiatristsHolmes and Rahepointed outthat positive events—calledeustressors—can also cause stress. These include things like:•Getting married•Going on vacation•Celebrating holidays•Winning the lotteryTheir research showed that people withhigher overall stress levels, whether from good or badevents, are more likely to become ill within the next two years.1.4Why Some People Handle Stress Better Than OthersPeople differ in how well they handle stress. This ability is known ashardiness. Hardiness dependson several factors:•How a person interprets stressful events•Whether they feel in control of the situation•Their personality and behavior patternsFor example, people with aType B personality, who are generally relaxed and easygoing, tend tohandle stress better. In contrast,Type A personalities, who are more competitive and anxious, oftenfeel more affected by stress.

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Study Guide1.5Death and Health Risks in Middle AgeMost people think of death during middle adulthood aspremature, yet the risk increases with age.After age 35, the death ratedoubles with each decade. Unlike younger adults, middle-aged adultsare more likely to die fromnatural causesrather than accidents.Health and death rates are also influenced bysocioeconomic status and race. People who are lesseducated, live in urban areas, or have lower incomes often experience worse health. Limited accessto medical care plays a major role. For example, the death rate amongmiddle-aged BlackAmericansis nearlytwice as highas that of white Americans.1.6Work as a Major Source of StressFor many middle-aged adults, the workplace is where stress is felt the most. Some worry that theirskills are being questioned because of their age. Others feel pressure to compete with youngeremployees.Research shows, however, thatjob success is more closely related to physical and mentalabilities than to ageitself.1.7Common Workplace StressorsStress at work can come from many sources, including:•Forced career changes•Lack of promotions or raises•Little input in decision-making•Boring or repetitive tasks•Not feeling challenged or fully used•Low pay•Unclear job roles or expectations•Conflicts with supervisors•Limited vacation time•Workaholism (being addicted to work)•Sexual harassment

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