Lifespan Development Flashcards
What are the lifespan development stages?
1) Infancy: Birth – 2 years
2) Childhood: 2 – 10 years
3) Adolescence: 10 – 20 years
4) Early Adulthood: 20 – 40 years
5) Middle Age: 40 – 65 years
6) Older Age: 65+ years
What happens in the three trimesters of prenatal development?
First Trimester: Development of ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm; major organs begin forming.
Second Trimester: Organ systems develop; body shape resembles a human.
Third Trimester: Rapid growth, fat deposition, fully functional major organ systems.
What are the Critical Period Times for Organ Development?
Placenta: Week 1
Brain & Spinal Cord: Week 2
Heart & Circulation: Week 3
Lungs: Week 4
What are the Immediate Changes at Birth?
Lungs expand; blood rushes to the pulmonary system.
Ductus Arteriosus constricts; Foramen Ovale closes.
Cord clamping; closure of Ductus Venosus.
What are the characteristics of the Respiratory System in Infancy?
Soft rib cage; horizontal diaphragm.
Preferential nasal breathing.
Small airway diameters → higher resistance.
Poor cilia development; ~150 million alveoli at birth.
What are the characteristics of the Musculoskeletal System in Infancy?
Born with 300 bones (later fuse).
Bones soft, cartilaginous at birth; ossify over time.
Muscles small, watery; body fat laid down until 9 months.
What are the characteristics of the Neurological System in Infancy?
Brain: 25% of body weight.
Lower brain centers most developed.
Exhibits “flexural tone” & primitive reflexes.
Neurons present; transient exuberance occurs.
Physical Growth Phases and Factors?
Rapid weight gain (birth – 6 months).
Slower weight gain (6 – 12 months).
Key Influences:
Genetics: sex, race.
Environment: nutrition, family, climate.
Childhood Development characteristics?
Steady physical growth; motor skills refine.
Adolescence characteristics?
Hormonal changes begin at puberty:
Girls: 10–14 years; Boys: 12–16 years.
Physical changes include skeletal growth, muscle development, and deepened voice.
Growth and Development Influences (Genetic & Environmental)
Genetic: Determines sex, physical traits.
Environmental: Family, culture, nutrition, community.
Early Adulthood characteristics?
Period of intellectual, emotional, and social development.
Most physically capable phase.
Minimal regeneration or degeneration of body systems.
Middle Age Characteristics?
Known as the “young-old” phase.
General good health but signs of degeneration begin.
Includes menopause for women.
Older Age Characteristics?
Transition from “old-old” to “old-older.”
Retirement phase; significant changes in body systems; further degeneration occurs.
Primary vs. Secondary Aging
Primary Aging: Natural, inevitable deterioration.
Secondary Aging: Preventable deterioration due to lifestyle or disease.
Consequences of Aging?
Cellular changes, altered metabolism, and perfusion.
Impaired mobility, immune response, and nutrition.
Skin, hair, and overall appearance changes.
Immunity Changes with Aging?
Less responsive T-cells → B-cells less effective.
Increased cancer incidence.
Skin alterations impact immune response.
Musculoskeletal System in Aging?
Muscles: Decreased size, elasticity, exercise tolerance, and recovery ability.
Bones: Osteopenia, osteoporosis, height loss, osteoarthritis.
Cardiovascular System in Aging?
Heart: Reduced output, elasticity, and conduction changes.
Vascular: Lower haematocrit, atherosclerosis, aneurysms, valve dysfunction.
Respiratory System in Aging?
Reduced vital capacity, increased residual volume.
Rib cage stiffens, affecting breathing.
Neurological System in Aging?
Brain decreases in size, weight, and neuron count.
Loss of neurotransmitters, blood flow, and gradual functional decline.
Common issues: memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s.
Practical Precautions for the Elderly?
Avoid jewellery or long nails; wash hands frequently.
Be cautious of friction during manual handling.
Ensure regular position changes to prevent complications.
