Middle Adulthood Flashcards
What ages are considered middle adulthood?
40(45) - 60(65)
Describe some of the physiological changes that take place during middle adulthood
Graying/thinning of hair, weight gain, wrinkles, stiffing of joints, loss of stamina, visual acuity, hearing
What are some serious physiological issues that happen during middle adulthood?
osteoporosis, arthritis, perimenopause (transition from regular menstruation to menopause) menopause (point at which menstruation stops)
Describe some life responsibilities for middle adults.
usually maintaining career or could be changing career paths; emptying the nest (assisting children in transition into the world); maintaining changing relationships with children/spouse/parents
Describe the Sandwich Generation.
being caught between the competing demands of two generations: their parents and their children
Define boomerang kids or KIPPERS.
the young adults that return home at least once after moving out due to increased cost of living, college debt; men more likely to move back than women.
The job of caring for older parents usually falls to ___?
daughter or a daughter-in-law
What Erikson stage are middle adulthood in?
Generativity v Stagnation (Self-Absorption): time to be productive at work through establishment of a family in contributing to society; Some experience doubt and set backs, a time to take inventory
What are the additional crises during middle adulthood according to R.C. Peck?
valuing wisdom v. physical power, socializing v. sexuality, emotional flexibility v. emotional impoverishment, mental flexibility v mental rigidity
Describe Mid-life Correction.
Used to talk about mid-life crisis, now its correction; involves a serious re-examination of life, goals, dreams, ambitions
Describe the gains and losses of mid-life correction.
Gains: competence, sense of parental control, purpose in life, social responsibility
Losses: physical abilities, physical appearance, women’s ability to bear children
Describe men and women during mid-life correction.
Men- turn inward, more concerned with family and emotions; Women- more assertive, goal oriented, achievement oriented; men and women become more like each other
Describe the grandparenting experience during middle adulthood.
for many, it is a peak experience but not for all (often children’s decisions/actions that determine the experience); grandparents are often separated from grandkids by distance
Describe grandparents as custodial parents/primary caregivers to grandchildren.
increasing number of grandparents as primary caregivers; estimates of 7 million in US with grandchildren under 18 living with them
