http://www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Human Biology
During middle adulthood, people start to show signs of aging. Their hair slowly turns gray. Their skin develops
wrinkles. The risk of health problems also increases during middle adulthood. For example, heart disease, cancer,
and diabetes become more common during this time. This is the stage of life when people are most likely to achieve
career goals. Their children also grow up and may leave home during this stage.
Late Adulthood
Late adulthoodbegins in the mid-60s. It continues until death. This is the stage of life when most people retire
from work. They are also likely to reflect on their life. They may focus on their grandchildren.
During late adulthood, people are not as physically able. For example, they usually have less muscle and slower
reflexes. Their immune system also doesn’t work as well as it used to. As a result, they have a harder time fighting
diseases like flu. The risk of developing diseases such as heart disease and cancer continues to rise. Arthritis is also
common. In arthritis, joints wear out and become stiff and painful. As many as one in four late adults may develop
Alzheimer’s disease. In this disease, brain changes cause mental abilities to decrease.
Exercising the body and brain help prevent the physical and mental effects of aging. The stages of adulthood are
pictured below (Figure1.140).
FIGURE 1.140
This family picture shows females in each of the three stages of life. Which
stage does each represent?Despite problems such as these, many people remain healthy and active into their 80s or even 90s. Do you want to
be one of them? Then adopt a healthy lifestyle now and follow it for life. Doing so will increase your chances of
staying healthy and active to an old age.
Vocabulary
- adulthood: Period of life after childhood.
- early adulthood: Period of life after adolescence that lasts until the mid-30s.
- late adulthood: Period of life that begins in the mid-60s and lasts until the end of life.
- middle adulthood: Period of life that lasts from the mid-30s to the mid-60s.
Summary
- Adulthood is divided into the stages of early, middle, and late adulthood.
- The risk of health problems increases in middle adulthood and late adulthood.