Life Course Perspective

Life has its way of turning an individual’s attention to better understanding the overall course of life. One may experience different transitions, and turning points as well as particular life events and family experiences that may influence the developmental trajectories of life. The Moore Family- Ed, Jessica, Derrick, Terrance, Debbie and Barbara- all have stories that have unfolded over a period of time. One of the useful ways I will attempt to explain the Moore’s family stories, and the relationship between time and human behavior, is the life course perspective. The life course perspective maintains that chronological age, relationships, common life transitions, and social change shape people’s lives from birth to death (Hutchinson, 2013). Timing is very important.

Personal lifestyle choices can be influenced by the family of origin, peers, social movements, and global revolutions, and can have a positive or negative life-long impact. A COUPLE OF SENTENCES DEFINING THE LIFE COURSE PERSPECTIVE AND HOW/WHY IT IS USEFUL IN UNDERSTANDING OLDER ADULTS. Based on an in-depth qualitative interview, this paper will include an analysis of lifestyle choices and trajectories, particularly how human agency and cohort effects, have impacted the life course of my interviewee Chris (Christine).

One of the most persisting health disparities is the birth outcomes between African Americans and White Americans. A significant portion in infant mortality is the increase of low birth weight, and preterm birth among black infants. The socially and economically disadvantaged population affects the maternal and child health outcomes. “The life course perspective “is the women’s life -course experiences that links to the maternal health and pregnancy outcome. It is used to understand how transitions and trajectories factors impact one’s life. The cumulative pathway mechanism how stress, exposures to the physical and the social environment in different life stages that accumulates over time affect health and causes dysfunction. Racial

The life course perspective theory is a micro theory that delves into a subject’s past to interpret present endeavors that may assist in predicting future behavior or misconduct. It could be classified as a road map to an individuals expected behavior and may provide reasoning for that individuals’ life choices, not only in relation to criminal behavior but also on ones ability to sustain relationships.

Midlife Crisis at 30 is a journey through which the authors, Lia Macko and Kerry Rubin interviewed hundreds of college-educated women across the country and found that, when around the age of 30, these women face a “crunch” or crisis of major life decisions regarding marriage, children and their careers, hence the title of the book, that fairy tales endings are not real, they have to go through a few bumps in the road before getting there. These women share the common crisis of being on their way to "having it all." Yet, when they 're not, they try to figure out who or what is to blame. Patriarchy? Mobility? Feminism? Society? Questions are everywhere but some answers are few or are hard to find.

During the start of menopause, majority of women encounter assortment of indications because the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones in their body already declines. Since the hypothalamus, which is considered as the brain’s thermostat, is the one receiving assorted signs, it is the one responsible for causing abnormal development and tightening of the blood vessels, resulting to menopausal syndromes like extreme and unnerving heat or hot flashes. There are also minor factors that can contribute to the occurrence of hot flashes like way of life, environment and foods you consume. Despite the fact that diet plays an important function to the start of hot flashes, each woman encounters dissimilar food instigators. Contemplating on the kinds of foods

     During this time, there may be turmoil in the family, marital distress, and general dissatisfaction with our lives. Many people during this time go through what we call the "mid-life crisis". A mid-life crisis may be caused by many different issues. During the early 30’s, the woman’s primary duty is child rearing and may also be pursuing a career. Most men focus on

Menopause is normal and natural for every woman, but for some women it is not simple nor easily tolerated. Hot flashes, foggy thinking, mood swings, weight gain, reduced sex drive, and changes in skin and hair are just a few of the negative side effects of menopause. For some women, these side effects are merely nuisances, but for other women they can be extreme and drastically affect their quality of life and that of their families. For these women, there are treatments available that can help

Menopause can take women by surprise, leaving them to endure uncomfortable symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and hot flashes. Dr. William M. Jamieson M.D. in Cincinnati, OH wants his patients to know about every available solution. The trusted gynecologist offers hysteroscopic surgery, women’s health services, fertility treatment, and gynecological surgery. He has taken a special interest in using bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to help women find relief from the negative effects of menopause.

This emphasis on context includes historical, cultural and social influences (Stowe and Cooney, 2014). This perspective also espouses that personal choices combined with social influence and limitations create or constrain opportunities (Burton- Jeangros and Zimmermann-Sloutskis, 2013). The historical context of age and development is a fundamental aspect of the life course perspective. It defines development as being intrinsically ingrained in historical circumstances that change over periods of time (Stowe and Cooney, 2014). For instance, women who became adults prior to the 1960s had fewer opportunities than men; thus social trajectories between men and women in this age group are undoubtedly different from one another (Burton- Jeangros and Zimmermann-Sloutskis, 2013, Drolet, 2010). The historical environment in which my grandmother came of age provided her with narrow and specific opportunities. The opportunities allotted to women of her generation were predominantly associated with taking care of the home and family life, while men were expected to be the finical providers. As a reaction to the lack of opportunities and power disparities between men and women prior to the 1960s, the feminist theory

Pietrangelo, A., & Hirsch, K. R., MD. (2014, December 8). Menopause by the Numbers: Facts,

Menopause in women occurs when menstrual flow ceases. Its onset is from 50 years and presents as hot flushes and sweating at night (vasomotor symptoms). Symptoms are caused by reduced estrogen levels and compromise the quality of life. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is used to correct estrogen levels subsequently relieving the symptoms. Synthetic estrogen is supplemented. This may be given for topical vaginal application for local symptoms. This hormone restores bleeding during the withdrawal intervals. For those still with a uterus, progesterone is also administered to curb endometrial growth that may cause cancer. Estradiol is given for oral use or through transdermal injection. Annual review is conducted to

What was once referred to as ‘middle age’ is now referred to as ‘midlife’, a broad social category demarcated by chronological, social/cultural and body time (Adam, 2004). Although it is difficult to ascertain the actual age when one becomes ‘midlife’ in Western (British/North American) societies the period is assumed to begin in the late thirties and extend into the late fifties (for example, Featherstone and Hepworth, 1996 and Hockey and James, 2003). For some, midlife is a transitional turning point. It is a time when past, present, and future intersect and it becomes easier to reflect on the course life has taken, and importantly where it may lead. It may also be a time when the roles, responsibilities, and patterns of everyday life alter substantially, prompting uncertainty in the present and reflection on future options and possibilities (Hockey and James, 2003). As such, it is likely that individuals will attach different meanings to the experience of midlife. However, this is often neglected in current theories of middle age, where there is a tendency to ignore the impact of cultural and ethnic diversity on the experience of aging. The data presented in this paper suggest cultural differences between women influence their priorities during this period of their lives. A main aim, rather than presupposing sameness of experience, is to consider midlife as a culturally mediated and complex phenomenon.

This paper is going to look at how menopause is seen from three different perspectives. The first is from a biomedical perspective, since most are men; they seem to focus on the negative perspective of menopause. Second is how women feel about menopause. Some women have a positive experience with it while others have had a negative one. Depending on the female and what is happening in her life is how she will experience it. The third and final aspect of menopause is how society sees women who are menopausal. Each has different points of view some negative and some positive. There are conflicting opinions from different empirical emphases. Even with the definition of menopause there are differences on how it is defined from different accredited

There are moments in life that society portrays as phases or experiences in which most and predicted to go. These moments are referred to as stages, by theoretical approaches, that are predicted as normative events. The “Family Life Cycle” approach suggest that families have life courses with predictable stages that are identified by normative events. Though, non-normative events that are not often experienced by families can take a different toll on one's life. In the story, “Road Ends”, by Mary Lawson, is a prime example of