Introduction

In this stage of life, Biological, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Development are noted as physical, educational, sexual, emotional, and personality enhancements that continue to help create new milestones. On the following pages, we shall discuss these different areas, provide examples and show how the development of a adult aged twenty to sixty progresses. By the end of this document, one should be able to provide a simple description of this process with little to no difficulty.

Biological Development

�Overview�

Biological development between the ages of twenty and sixty are enhanced by a multitude of variables, and take on a variety of characteristics. The process takes gender into consideration and is both experience-expectant and experience-reliant. Biological traits initially create the framework for the life process, but it is an individual�s dedication to health that slows the ageing process, limits potential genetic/medical issues, and adds to the quality of life that is experienced. If precautions are not taken in early adulthood, the organs will automatically begin to diminish at a rate of 1% per year (Annenberg, 2007), and continue to decline indefinitely. Let�s break this down a little more; shall we?

�General Changes of Young adulthood�

Around the age of twenty, body systems are at optimum levels matter a fact, generally people are considered to be in their physical prime. That is why this is a great time to engage in hard work, athletic activities and problem-free reproduction (Berger, 2005, Anneberg, 2007)). Young adults experience a gradual increase of physical strength, and mobility until approximately age thirty when physical functioning is said to peek after which, for most people, quality becomes the product of effort not a set factor of life. For example, an individual who maintains a healthy diet, exercises, avoids harmful agents, and seeks prompt medical attention (as needed) will have a better chance of leading a healthy life compared to an individual who lays around eating junk food, drinking or drugging, and/or ignoring the symptoms of possible ailments. It is the habits, actions, and responses in early adulthood that sets the stage for the mid-adulthood.

�General Changes of Mid-Adulthood�

Mid-adulthood�s physical development is marked by easily seen characteristics such as, the beginning of graying, thinning and/or balding hair, gradual shifts/increases of weight, increased body fat and decreased lean muscle mass (Annenberg, 2007). Its other symptoms are less visible and include the gradual degeneration of hearing and vision, the stiffening and thickening of cell membranes that can begin to limit mobility and the reduction of recovery time associated with physical stress (Berger, 2005). Obviously, the odds are stacked against the individual who continues to engage in risky behaviors. However, it should be noted that the most serious repercussions aren�t normally seen until late adulthood. Therefore, it is not to late to improve one�s health if they modify their diet, begin an exercise program, and seek medical advice on a regular basis.

�Gender Changes Between Age 20-60�

In many ways, males and females progress through life along the same path. That path however often curves on a biological level that is gender related. It seems that the most common easily distinguished area is in the sexual topics. Let�s begin with reproduction. The male and female sexuality is based on hormones. These hormones create changes in the body and the time frame of those changes is often called the biological clock. Females must be more cautious of their biological clock than do males because theirs is much much shorter. Basically it is preferred, and considered safer for females to reproduce before age 30 and definitely by age 39; where as males are preferred by age forty but can actually reproduce indefinitely unless they face other medical conditions that prevents such actions. Only 15% of couples will face the inability to reproduce and 25% of the time its because of the males inability to reproduce for reasons such as sperm/sperm count related issues. Females however may face myriad issues such as endometriosis, infections, tumors, and past deceases such as PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) that can make conception impossible or even if pregnancy occurs make the baby impossible to carry.

Of course once the clock reaches runs out, Females face Menopause; men need not worry about such things. Menopause is a eliminating process, where the female body no longer produces the amount of hormones it once did and therefore no longer occurs a monthly menstrual cycle. This process strikes the female around the age of 45-58 and lasts approximately one year. Menopause can strike earlier if a female has had hysterectomy surgery, or other unique circumstances. It can produce many uncomfortable symptoms including hot flashes, cold sweats, insomnia, mood-swings, dry skin, loss of breast tissue, and vaginal dryness. Hormonal Replacement Therapy is available to patients who suffer from Menopause but the treatment poses more of a threat than the symptoms does. Patients who utilize HRT are more likely to get Alzheimer�s, senile dementia, cancer and are at a higher risk for severe blood clots (Berger, 2005).

Males are not completely without their own share of gender-based changes. Males are challenged to endure what is called �male patterned baldness� (Berger, 2005). Usually youthful males, who lose the top parts of their hair, and become unable to grow it back, suffer this. MPB is genetically linked and passed from father to son.

�Self Induced Medical Problems Of adulthood�

Many adults face self-induced health issues. Most of these situations occur in early adulthood but if left untreated can continue indefinitely or lead to fatal results.

The first self-induced trauma is drug and alcohol addiction. Young adults as coping agents to reduce stress and negative emotions more likely use addictive agents. Abuse is also higher during social functions such as parties, spectator sporting events, rock concerts, and other group activities because peer pressure is so much higher during such times. Addictive substance and crowds also lead to a serious social issue(Berger, Anneberg, 2007). Which brings us to our second self-induced trauma unplanned/unprotected sexual activities. In this day and age one occasion of unprotected sexual activity can produce not only the normal pregnancy and curable STD but it can lead to the transmission of HIV. HIV is a powerful deadly disease that is transmitted by blood, and body fluids. It affects the immune system. Since a person can go months or years and there is no known cure for HIV, it becomes a silent killer. The best way to prevent the passing of this deadly disease is to sustain from using I.V. drugs, stay away from body fluids of others, and save sexual activity until after marriage. However, IF you feel the absolute need to indulge in love making; use a condom EVERY single time. It�s your life: Only you can protect it!

Cognitive Development

Cognitive development describes the intellectual or educational side of human growth. It includes but is not limited to the thinking process, perceptual ability, and communication (Berger, 2005). Between ages twenty and sixty, a lot of cognitive skills present themselves, level out and progress. Between twenty to forty years of age, individuals find that their thinking becomes more practical. Short-term memory grows and peaks as wisdom and expertise begins to develop. Through learned experience, they begin to adapt to the inconsistent and complex issues of day-to-day life. Vocabulary and knowledge continues as they attend work, social events and engage in everyday problem solving

As the adult reaches forty-one through sixty; mid-adulthood, reaction time and mental processing begins to slow (Anneberg, 2007). Intellectual abilities depend on a use it or lose it theory. The more the person utilizes their educational skills the more apt they are to continue to carry on in the same manner as before. Basically long and short-term memory will stay intact for many years to come as long as they are utilized (Berger, 2005).

Psychosocial development

Psychosocial Development describes more intimate areas of human development. These intimate areas include the emotional character, personality, and the ability to form and maintain interpersonal relationships (Berger, 2005). Many outside influences as well as the above biological changes influence these important traits.

During young adulthood, individuals can face many chaotic issues. Some of which include issues of identity, intimacy, marriage, family maintenance, friendships, finances, and day-to-day life (Berger, 2005). It�s a lot to handle and a strong support system is the most important asset a person can hold.

Mid-Adulthood often comes with it�s own crisis. It�s during this time that many individuals face empty-nest syndrome. Their children are moving out and at first it�s hard to handle. But, after a while, things slip into a newfound comfort level and life gains unexpected happiness; especially in the area of marriage. Other issues of mid-adulthood include, insecurities about life�s accomplishments this includes job promotions, future retirement, etc. Thankfully by this time, most people have a stress elimination plan in place and are better equipped to handle change.

�Marriage, Intimacy, & Divorce�

Human beings are sexually, intimate individuals. We have not only a desire but also the actual yearning to experience intimacy. We want friendships that support us, romantic relationships that fulfill our wildest dreams and sexual encounters that leave us breathless (Berger, 2005).

In today�s society marriage isn�t as important as finding and sharing life with that special someone. (This includes Homosexual relationships) Which is probably why the non-married rates are up, the average numbers of co-habitates are up, and the average single mother rate is up, even though most cultures still hold marriage as the highest proof of commitment it�s obvious that relationship success comes from maturity, homagamy, hetrogamy, equality, love, intimacy, consistent expectations and commitment (Berger, 2005). Over all, marriage is a continual work in progress and requires frequent attention to maintain the levels of communication.

Sadly though, every now and then no matter how much one works at it,, adults are forced to deal with off the wall change. I�m not talking about finances, childbirth, or even life and death. For this section, I am going to discuss D-I-V-O-R-C-E. Now I�m sure NO-ONE goes into marriage, or at least not the average person anyway, thinking �one of these days, I�m going to get divorced!� So divorce is usually a devastating thing. People who face divorce tend to experience depression, insecurity, anxiety, and trust issues. They are probably pretty well use to intimacy, and commitment and losing this can create quite a stress on the body and mind. If the couple has children, it can open a whole new line of issues. Custody battles, continued correspondence, mixed emotions, and awkward moments can make moving on even more difficult. Again the best thing is a strong support system. People who face divorce need someone who will listen to them rant, listen to them cry, listen to their stories, and tell them their feelings are justified. One can�t always remove the anguish from the life but keeping a friend from experiencing it alone cam make a huge difference.

�How To Deal with stress�

Dealing with stress is as unique as the person who is dealing w/ the stress in the first place. However, there are many things a person (no matter their age) can do to lower stress levels; beginning with attempting to understand not only what causes you stress but how you react to stress and then making every attempt possible to eliminate those issues from your life. Some other things that help manage stress levels include learning to balance life through relaxation, exercise and work. Of course getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol and drugs will always help maintain a healthier body. (Berger, 2005).

References

Annenberg Media (2007). Discovering Psychology. Age 20-40. Retrieved Feb. 1, 2007

From WGBH Educational Foundation website:

http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/development/20-40.html

Annenberg Media (2007). Discovering Psychology. Age 41-60. Retrieved Feb. 1, 2007

From WGBH Educational Foundation website:

http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/development/40_60.html

Berger, Kathleen (2005). The Developing Person through the life span (6th ed.)

New York: Worth Publications.

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