Chapter 13: Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood

Question 1

middle adulthood

Answer 1

the developmental period beginning at approximately 40 years of age and extending to about 60 to 65 years of age

Question 2

metabolic syndrome

Answer 2

a condition characterized by hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome often leads to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Question 3

climacteric

Answer 3

the midlife transition in which fertility declines

Question 4

menopause

Answer 4

the complete cessation of a woman’s menstruation, which usually occurs in the late forties or early fifties

Question 5

crystallized intelligence

Answer 5

accumulated information and verbal skills, which increase in middle age, according to Horn

Question 6

fluid intelligence

Answer 6

the ability to reason abstractly, which steadily declines from middle adulthood on, according to Horn

Question 7

working memory

Answer 7

closely related to short-term memory but places more emphasis on mental work. Working memory is like a mental “workbench” where individuals can manipulate and assemble information when making decisions, solving problems, and comprehending written and spoken language

Question 8

leisure

Answer 8

the pleasant times after work when individuals are free to pursue activities and interests of their own choosing