Lesson 8: Middle Adulthood Flashcards
What is middle adulthood?
Middle adulthood refers to the period between 40-45 and 60-65 years of age.
What is the difference between primary and secondary aging?
Primary aging is due to molecular and cellular changes, while secondary aging results from controllable factors like lifestyle and environment.
What causes gray hair during middle adulthood?
The reduction in melanin production by hair follicles.
What is sarcopenia?
The loss of muscle mass and strength with age.
How does metabolism change in middle adulthood?
Metabolism slows down due to a decrease in muscle mass.
What is the leading cause of death in middle adulthood?
Heart disease.
What is atherosclerosis?
A buildup of fatty plaque in arteries that restricts blood flow.
How can high blood pressure be managed?
Through diet, exercise, medication, and reducing sodium intake.
What percentage of American adults have high LDL cholesterol levels?
About 32%.
What is metabolic syndrome?
A cluster of risk factors like high blood pressure and abdominal fat that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
How many hours of sleep are recommended for middle-aged adults?
At least 7 hours per night.
What are common sleep disorders in middle adulthood?
Insomnia and sleep apnea.
How does sleep deprivation affect health?
It can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
What factors disrupt sleep in middle adulthood?
Stress, menopause, and chronic pain.
How does having children at home affect sleep?
It reduces the amount of sleep, particularly for single parents.
How much aerobic exercise is recommended for middle-aged adults?
At least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
What dietary changes are important in middle adulthood?
Reducing sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats while increasing nutrient-rich foods.
What is “middle-aged spread”?
The accumulation of fat, especially in the abdomen, due to a slower metabolism.
How can exercise benefit middle-aged adults?
It helps maintain muscle mass, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces stress.
How is obesity linked to Alzheimer’s disease?
Obesity in midlife is associated with earlier onset of Alzheimer’s and brain inflammation.
What is the climacteric?
A midlife transition marked by a decline in fertility for both men and women.
What symptoms are associated with menopause?
Hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
What is menopause?
The cessation of menstruation, typically occurring around age 51.
What is andropause?
A decline in testosterone levels in men, sometimes called late-onset hypogonadism.
How can hormone replacement therapy affect menopausal women?
It can alleviate symptoms but may increase the risk of breast cancer and stroke.
How does brain plasticity change in middle adulthood?
The brain remains adaptable and rewires based on experiences.
What is crystallized intelligence?
The accumulation of knowledge and skills over a lifetime.
What is fluid intelligence?
The ability to solve new problems and think abstractly, which declines with age.
What is the Seattle Longitudinal Study?
A study showing that middle-aged adults excel in verbal memory, spatial skills, and inductive reasoning.
What is “flow” in cognitive functioning?
A state of complete immersion and enjoyment in an activity.
Why do middle-aged adults return to education?
To gain new skills, pursue career changes, or explore personal interests.
What is the Plus 50 Initiative?
A program that helps adults over 50 gain workforce training and new career skills.
How do older students approach learning differently?
They focus on relevance, meaning, and problem-solving rather than rote memorization.
How do older adults compensate for cognitive declines in education?
By using strategies like summarizing and comparing ideas.
What challenges do older students face?
Slower processing speeds and memory challenges.
What is expertise?
Specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area developed over time.
How do experts differ from novices?
Experts are more intuitive, automatic, strategic, and flexible in their thinking.
What role does intuition play in expertise?
Experts rely on past experiences to make decisions quickly and effectively.
Why is flexibility important for experts?
It allows them to adapt to new challenges and innovate.
Can expertise fully compensate for cognitive decline?
No, expertise is task-specific and cannot entirely offset general cognitive declines.
How has the U.S. workforce changed in recent years?
Participation rates have declined, with fewer people working past age 60.
What is the role of leisure in middle adulthood?
It promotes mental health, life satisfaction, and successful retirement.
Why do many middle-aged adults work past retirement age?
Financial needs and the desire for purposeful activity.
What challenges do middle-aged workers face?
Age discrimination, skill obsolescence, and workplace stress.
How does work-life balance impact middle-aged adults?
Poor balance can lead to stress, health issues, and reduced productivity.
What enhances creativity in middle adulthood?
Experiences, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation.
How is creativity linked to life satisfaction?
Creative activities foster a sense of accomplishment and joy.
What role does “tacit knowledge” play in creativity?
It provides practical insights gained through experience.
How does middle adulthood support creative growth?
Greater life experience and cognitive maturity enable deeper insights.
What is Erikson’s stage for middle adulthood?
Generativity vs. Stagnation.
What is the relationship between flow and creativity?
Flow states enhance focus and productivity, fueling creative expression.
What is generativity?
The desire to contribute to the next generation through parenting, work, or community involvement.
What happens if generativity is not achieved?
Individuals may feel stagnant or unproductive.
What is the “sandwich generation”?
Middle-aged adults caring for both their children and elderly parents.
How does middle adulthood impact social roles?
Many adults take on caregiving responsibilities for both children and aging parents.
What factors promote successful aging in middle adulthood?
Regular exercise, healthy nutrition, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose.
How does mindfulness benefit middle-aged adults?
It reduces stress, enhances focus, and improves emotional well-being.
How can middle-aged adults balance work and personal life?
By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support.
What is the role of lifelong learning in aging?
It keeps the mind active and fosters personal growth.
What is the importance of resilience in middle adulthood?
It helps individuals adapt to life’s challenges and maintain emotional stability.
