Summary of Young Adulthood and Late Adulthood

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Physical:

While young adults do not grow significantly taller in their 20's, they typically grow stronger and healthier as their bodies reach adult size. In terms of overall health, as well as peak physical condition, early adulthood is the prime of life. With each year from 20 to 40, signs of senescence-the state of physical decline, in which the body gradually becomes less strong and efficient with age-become more apparent. All the body systems gradually become less efficient (though at different rates) and homeostasis takes increasingly longer to reach.

Cognitive:

As an individual takes on the responsibilities and commitments of adult life, thinking may become more adaptive, practical, and dialectical to take into account the inconsistencies and complexities encountered in daily experiences. Partly as a result, moral thinking becomes deeper and religious faith becomes more reflective, with more appreciation of diverse viewpoints and also more commitment to one's own convictions.

College students today are more often part-time and older than they were 40 years ago. The majority of college students are females. Most college students are more concerned about their current financial status and their future careers. Nevertheless, college education still seems to foster openness to new ideas as well as higher lifetime earnings. Life experiences-marriage, childbirth, promotion, job loss and dramatic events of every kind-can also foster cognitive growth.

Social and Personality:

The need for affiliation is fulfilled by friends and often by a romantic commitment to a partner. Friendships are important throughout adulthood but are particularly so for individuals who are single. The developmental course of marriage depe...

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...al life, older adults develop ways to compensate for memory loss and slower thinking. Many older individuals develop or intensify their aesthetic and philosophical interests and values at this stage.

Social & Personality

The variability of life in late adulthood is even greater than at other periods. Several self theorists hold that adults make personal choices in ways that allow them to become fully themselves. Erikson believed that individuals seek integrity that connects them to the human community.

Elders usually remain active whether working or retired. Older adult's satisfaction with life depends largely on continuing contact with friends and family. Generally, marital satisfaction continues to improve. The greatest source of social support is likely to be other elders, either friends or relatives, particularly those of longstanding importance.

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