Adulthood Research Paper

During Ruth’s second year of law school, Martin was diagnosed with cancer and he underwent surgery and weeks of radiation. Throughout this time, Ruth kept him up to date on all of his work by arranging note takers for all of his classes as well as typing his papers while he dictated them to her (Kay, 2004). She did all of this while still maintaining her grades and her studies. Ruth felt she had no other alternative than to make sure she was top in her class in order to attain a suitable job. After losing her mother at a young age, she feared that her husband would also die of cancer and she would become the sole provider of their daughter (Ward, 2010). By the time Martin was healthy enough to work again and was fully in remission, Ruth had fallen in love with her work and would not give it up.

In middle adulthood there are many changes that occur physically, psychologically, and socially as explained in the above passages. Yet, some say that this is the best time of their life, they experience enhanced self-confidence, great sex lives, career success, and enhanced brain functions. Middle age adults are better equipped to make better life choices and decisions and not worry so much about the negative parts of life. Their problem solving skills are greater which allows them to reason more creatively. They are able to enjoy sex freely without the worries of getting pregnant and they feel more confident with their partners. In general they are happier about life and look forward to enjoying the rest of their lives.

Emerging adults have reached a step up from childhood but are not yet ready to fully take on adult responsibilities. This part of life is open to many new experiences which can be very good for the morality of this upcoming generation of adults. People find themselves changing majors in college or taking different classes to explore their interests and find out where they best belong in their future career field.

According to McAdams (2009), in their late teens and early 20s, young people living in modern societies face the challenge of finding a place for themselves in the complex adult world and developing an understanding of themselves that provides their life with meaning, unity, and purpose. ("Chapter 9, The Problem of Identity, Adolescence and Young Adulthood"). However, some who will experience many conflicts such as, identity crisis, role confusions, and insecurity of how they will fit into society. I think she is at this stage because she is still in the process of developing her sense of self at the age of 29. She had begun to accomplish many of her goals, but tend to never finish them such as, school, and different career opportunities. At her age she still feel a need to blend in with her social group of younger adults, instead of focusing on herself and her children. I honestly believe that she is trapped in her teenage years, since her mother had done everything for her and the children. Which I feel that it really effected the way she thinks and live her life, which may have caused her to get lost in the mix of becoming an independent adult. The central question that was posed during stage 5, adolescence and young adulthood, is “How do I fit into the adult world”? (McAdams, 2009, p. 351). I believe she has unconsciously sought to answer this question, because she rather be with her friends out in

Q has reached maximum body growth and biological aging or senescence has begun. Biological ageing is “genetically influenced declines in the functioning of organs and systems that are universal in all members of our species” (Berk, 2010, p. 432). Q exercises daily but he admits that he doesn’t eat a healthy diet all the time. “Regular moderate to

First off she asked herself what she wanted to be in life and her choice was to be

Aging is an inevitability of life. With age man exchanges the physical prowess of youth for the wisdom that comes through experiencing the trials and triumphs of life. As an individual enters late adulthood, age 65 and older, they experience many physical, emotional and mental changes never previously encountered and which may require an adaptation of their earlier lifestyle. Some of these late adulthood changes are primary and secondary aging, issues regarding health and wellness, family and personal relationships, and the milestone of retirement. Understanding these changes can help late age adults

The journey through late adulthood can be experienced in different ways. One particular movie entitled “The Bucket List” exhibits an astounding portrayal of late adulthood. In fact, there are many accounts that the movie entails about late-adulthood. This includes the illustration of Erickson’s late adulthood stage – “Ego Integrity vs. Despair,” wisdom, marriage, friendship, parent-child relationship, and death and dying in late adulthood.

Later adulthood is the time in life when changes in marriage, families, and peer relationships are affected the most by the loss of someone close to that person. “Most people 70 years of age or older are widowed, divorced, or single” (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010, p.619). Losing a spouse or close friend can create a sense of loneliness, which causes depression, anxiety and the emptiness feeling can become overwhelming. Depression also leads to psychological effects that will deteriorate a person’s health causing the chance for a terminal disease to become much higher. The weaker appearance of older adults causes family and remaining peers to step up in the role of making sure the person’s wellbeing is being met. (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010). Living accommodations and healthcare needs

For this paper, I had the privilege of interviewing one of my friend’s grandmother. Her name is Jamie Hansen and she is a healthy and active 68-year-old grandmother. In the beginning of the phone call, I asked some basic background knowledge questions such as how many grandkids she has and if she was a widower or not. I found out that she and her husband are happily married and that she has six grandchildren. As I got to know her more I started asking questions that pertained to the interview aspect of social theories. I figured out that Mrs. Hansen’s responses led to an application of the continuity and socioemotional selective theories.

Middle adulthood is a complex time period that requires a multidimensional outlook to understand all of the processes and changes that are taking place. The many changes during middle adulthood include physical, cognitive and social differences. Many of these changes create significant stress and it is important to understand ways of coping with the anxiety. Many of these coping mechanisms include mindfulness and cultivating a sense of self-efficacy and mastery (pg. 482). There are many changes during middle adulthood that may require stress management techniques and interventions.

"Middle age is when your classmates are so old and wrinkled and bald, they don’t recognize you". -Bennett Cerf     

There are five key features that characterize emerging adulthood. The first s identity exploration. The second is “Instability.” For many the instability is a result of residential changes such as living in a dorm. There is also instability in friendships, romantic relationships, academia, and work. Emerging adults have few obligations, responsibilities, and commitments. Because they have so much autonomy in controlling their own lives the third key feature is “Self-Focused.” One of the most difficult

Peck (1968) suggests that it is psychologically healthy for middle-aged adults to redefine the people in their lives so they can find value in their relationships (Zastrow, 2011). Michael a 45-year old male with no children, weight issues, and a girlfriend with children of whom he is uncertain about in his life is struggling with dealing with his weight and health issues. In addition, to his personal problems Michael also has his sister Taylor to look after who has been diagnosed with HIV. Michael is in the stage of his life where he is redefining his identity and questioning those around him and the

     During this closing period in the life span of human beings, people tend to “move away” from previous more desirable periods often known as “usefulness”.