A1: Middle and Later Adulthood Milestones (46-65)

Question 1

What happens to women during middle adulthood?

Answer 1

• risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications increases with age
• between 45-55 years, fertility reduces (perimenopause) then comes to an end (menopause)
• perimenopause may take several years

Question 2

What does the menopause involve?

Answer 2

• gradual ending of menstruation and large reduction of fertile eggs in the ovaries
• decrease in the production of hormones to stimulate egg production (results in symptoms eg irritability, night sweats, hot flushes
• reduction in sex hormones produced by ovaies (prog + oest) (can result in reduction in libido)
• can cause other problems such as osteoporosis which is caused by a reduction in the hormones

Question 3

What are the emotional impacts during these changes? (menopause)

Answer 3

• mood changes, anxiety, depression
• occurs due to reduction in oestrogen levels
• some experience overwhelming sadness that they can no longer have any more children
• can affect self-image of being desirable
• self-esteem and self-image can become low (can impact self-confidence and quality of life)

Question 4

What are the effects of the ageing process?

Answer 4

• frequently put on weight
• middle age spread may happen due to eating same amounts but being less active
• body shape may change (weight gain, increase in waistline, loss of skin elasticity, loss of muscle strength and tone)
• other signs of ageing may occur such as thinning, loss and greying of hair

Question 5

What is life expectancy?

Answer 5

• an estimate of the number of years, on average, that a person can expect to live
• sometimes called longevity

Question 6

What happens when your health deteriorates as you get older?

Answer 6

• the ageing process in natural deterioration of the body
• height loss
• by 80, you may have lost as much as 5cm
• this is caused by changes in posture and compression of spinal discs and joints

Question 7

What are some physical changes in the elderly?

Answer 7

• less elasticity in skin
• decline in strength
• loss of muscle
• loss of stamina
• less mobility in gross and fine motor skills
• reduction in vision and hearing
• hair thinning on head and pubic areas
• decline in performance of organs
• highly susceptible to disease

Question 8

What does a reduction in oestrogen cause in the menopause?

Answer 8

• ovaries stop producing eggs
• thinning and shrinkage of the vagina
• affects hypothalamus in brain (regulates temperature - HOT FLUSHES AND NIGHT SWEATS)
• health of hair, skin and nails
• mood swings (oestrogen regulates neurotransmitters that affect mood)

Question 9

What does a reduction in oestrogen AND progesterone cause?

Answer 9

• gradually stops menstruation
• impacts libido