Middle Adulthood
Jamika Golden
Mercer University

Middle Adulthood
According to Rathus (2016), Middle Adulthood spans from ages 40 to 65. Although we may mature at different rates, our physical rates can be reversed in some cases with diet and exercise. In this stage, people go through many physical changes such as hearing and hair loss graying of hair, vision changes, and wrinkling of skin just to name a few. Middle-agers are more susceptible to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes. In mid-life there is a decline in vision, many gain weight, and reduce in height. Some men develop sexual dysfunctions while women go through menopause or what is also called the change in life.

The menopause transition commonly takes place between 46 and 50 years old. Symptoms vary from person to person and/or region to region. According to a study conducted on menopause in Australia and Japan, the women menopausal symptoms had many differences. Most of the Australians had symptoms of night sweats while the Japanese women reported anxiety and nervousness as their main issues. On the other hand, the regional studies showed a significant increase in depression and hot flashes across the board. Meanwhile, both regions did not show major differences in being excitable, difficulty in concentration, feeling tired or lacking energy.(Anderson, D .J, Yoshizawa, T, Gollshewski S.E, Sara E.A, Fumi.C Mary D;2004) Although this may be true studying middle age adults, it is found to be many physical, and sexual changes that occur whereas cognitive changes also take place during middle age are significant.

Cognitive development focuses on information processing and intellectual ability. In middle age many information processing changes. Reaction time is a little slower compared to early adulthood. Changes in memory during middle adulthood are relatively stable. Many middle-agers have issues with memory lapse and are easily distracted. The middle age brain procedural memory is a kind of motor memory of how to do things, and it tend to perform at it peak(Rathus,2016)There is little to no change in accumulated knowledge and verbal capabilities. Mid-life social and emotional development continues to be pertinent and diverse in this stage of life.

Rathus (2015) states ages 40 to 45 are considered a mid-life psychological transition, Daniel Levinson termed this phase “mid-life crisis.” During this stage many people assume their best years are behind them.People tend to have much anxiety and self-doubt. The mid-life crisis is considered to be a normal part of life. While going through a mid-life crisis, one may feel he or she needs their journey to be modified.They may change a career, buy a sports car, or even get a divorce. In conclusion, to the many other responsibilities many roles change for the middle age adult. Consequently, many women become empty nesters.

This syndrome is a feeling of loss of purpose that women usually experience after their last child leaves home. Although the modern mother seems to recover rather quickly and begins to find new purpose after child bearing and rearing years. In comparison, to the many women who remained in homes and their hold life centered around the family. In other cases, some kids do not leave home or come back home because of money issues. Therefore causing additional stress on the middle age parent who may have to take on roles of caregivers for older parents.

Middle age roles may consist of taking care of aging parents. People are living a lot longer hence transitioning into the late adulthood. In many other nations besides the United States, it is found that many seniors live with their children and grandchildren. Many middle age children become sandwiched between several generations of caretaking. On this occasion, one may be taking care of grandchildren and aging parents at the same time. In this situation, it would be helpful to have siblings to help with the role of caretaker for family members.
Relationships with siblings during middle age can become strained or, on the contrary, become very close. Siblings most of the time have to share the role of caretaker if an older parent is physically and/or mentally challenged. During these challenges, it can either make or break a sibling relationship if one or more siblings are not pulling their weight.
Middle Adulthood can be a rewarding although a difficult stage of life. Many may agree that this is the stage of life where true purpose in life is found. There are many physical and mental changes. Therefore, overcoming obstacles are still inevitable in middle age. Without a doubt, middle age will be stressful yet a fulfilling stage of life. Most importantly at this point there is still a choice whether it is to go back to school, get married or even have another child. The advances in modern medicine and overall well-being has allowed the middle-ager to be still significant and a predominant force in the future. Un undeniably with proper care such as exercise, healthy eating and less stress it is without reservation that the middle age adult will transition to the late adulthood.

References

Anderson, D, Yoshizawa, Gollschewski, F. Atogami, and Courtney.M (2004) Menopause in Australia and Japan: effects of country of residence on menopausal status and menopausal symptoms Healthwatch—Cleaning the nest—University Texas—(n.d) Retrieved from http://www.utsuthwestern.edu/newsroom/healthwatch/year-2004/healthwatch Rathus, S, A (2015). HDEV Human Development Middle Adulthood (15,16) 313-347