Chapter 15 &16 Short Answers

Question 1

What are the three stages of menopause and what is a defining characteristic of each stage

Answer 1

1. Premenopausal Phase: estrogen and progesterone levels decline causing irregular periods and ovulatory cycles (late 30-early 40’s)
2. Perimenopausal phase: premenopausal symptoms increase in severity, HOT FLASHES (75% of women experience)
3. Postmenopausal Phase: When woman has gone a year without menstruating, physical changes (breasts less firm, genitals and uterus shrink, vagina shortens and decreases in diameter, walls of vagina thinner and less elastic, LESS LUBRICATION (itchy and dry))

Question 2

What are some of the effects of heavy drinking, in young adulthood, once a person reaches middle adulthood? Can these effects be reversed, and how?

Answer 2

Brain shrinkage, some parts of the brain become less responsive to stimuli, Problems seen in memory and language, weakened heart muscle, heart valves, and blood vessels, all contributing to the risk of heart disease (CVD). These effects can potentially be reverses if the alcoholic quits drinking.

Question 3

List Whitbourne’s 5 Life Pathways for middle-aged adults and describe each of them

Answer 3

• The meandering way: a life based on low sense of identity: this type of person felt lost and thus was unable to commit to clear set of goals
• The straight and narrow path: predictability and routine was paramount, risk was avoided
  -The downward slope: Life started out great, but after making some regrettable decisions, it took a turn for the worse
• The triumphant trail: early life was a challenge, but through inner resilience those challenges were overcome
• the authentic trail a life characterized by self- examination and redirection to get back on track toward a strong a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction

Question 4

Explain the mid-life squeeze and caregiver burden.

Answer 4

Mid life squeeze is when middle adult is being squeezed in three different directions
a) caring for children
b) caring for self
c) caring for parent
Known as the sandwich generation, middle adults are pulled in three different directions, and the need to care for all three often contributes to caregiver burden. Middle adults can become worn out with the stress and responsibilities placed upon them, which can lead to burnout.