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Chapter 12
Middle Adulthood
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Objectives
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2.
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6.
Define middle adulthood.
List the physiological changes that occur
during middle adulthood.
Define the major developmental tasks and
challenges of middle adulthood.
State the complexities of the menopausal
experience in women.
Discuss the male climacteric.
Define midlife crisis.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Objectives (cont.)
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Discuss sexuality in the middle-adulthood
phase of the life cycle.
List preventative health-care measures
appropriate for middle adulthood.
Define the "sandwich generation."
Describe the benefits of regular exercise
during middle adulthood.
List teaching strategies that may be effective
for the patient in the middle-adult phase of the
life cycle.
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Key Terms
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climacteric
“empty nest”
syndrome
generativity
hot flashes
identity
accommodation
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menopause
middle adulthood
midlife crisis
reproductive health
sandwich generation
sexuality
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Definition
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The period of development after the early
adult years but before retirement
Between 40 and 60 years of age
Some theorists suggest that developmental
changes are gradual and progressive, but
others express the concept of passing
through distinct stages
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Developmental Tasks
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Generativity
Stagnation
Maintaining a positive self-image is important
Identity accommodation
Effect of the spouse or significant other on
continued development and life stability is
important
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Challenges
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Maintaining optimum cognitive functioning is
necessary
Adjusting to changes in relationships
Continue their education
Marital separation, divorce, major illness or
injury, loss of income, or unplanned
pregnancy
“Empty nest” syndrome
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Critical Thinking Question 1
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What impact does the failure to develop a
sense of intimacy during young adulthood
have on the middle-aged adult experiencing
the empty nest syndrome?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Midlife Crisis
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May grieve lost youth and missed
opportunities
May start to engage in behaviors that are
atypical for their character
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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The Sandwich Generation
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Must handle increased financial and
emotional responsibilities related to their
children and their older, and possibly
dependent, parents
A fulfilling marriage will help validate positive
self-esteem
Divorce, separation, conflicts with adult
children or aging parents may have negative
impact on psychological functioning
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Critical Thinking Question 2
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Many couples are starting their families later
in life and advances in health care have
contributed to greater longevity in late
adulthood. How do these factors affect
middle-aged adult families? What
interventions could assist these families to
cope?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Sexuality
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Often focused on career goals and financial
stability, little time or energy may be set aside
to fulfill sexual needs
Options for sexual lifestyles for the single
person
Gradual hormonal changes
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Reproductive Health
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Climacteric
Complex interactions exist among sex
hormones, physiology, and physical and
emotional well-being
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Women's Health
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Menopause
Hot flashes
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) therapy
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Critical Thinking Question 3
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Recent medical advances have prolonged the
reproductive capabilities of some women.
Given your knowledge of developmental
tasks of family, parents, and middle
adulthood, discuss the potential impact of
having a child at age 40. Age 50 or older?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Men's Health
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Sexual concerns
Male climacteric involves a gradual decline in
the blood concentration of testosterone
Testosterone-replacement therapy
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Critical Thinking Question 4
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Women’s health has become a recognized
nursing and medical specialty. With
increasing focus on men’s health concerns,
what educational programs for health care
providers and for men themselves could or
should be implemented to encourage men to
seek earlier medical and preventive care?
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Physical Activity
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Maintain fitness and avoid disease
Social outlet for an otherwise isolated person
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Teaching Techniques
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Stress can inhibit or motivate learning
Incorporate the independence and
competencies of the adult learner
Provide information that coincides with the
concerns and stresses
Copyright © 2013, 2004 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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