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Adolescence�Modules 3.2b

Learning Targets:

Define Adolescence, and explain how the physical changes during this period affect teens.
Explain the physical changes that occur during middle & late adulthood.

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Adolescence

The period between childhood and adulthood
From puberty (the start of sexual maturation) to independence from parents

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Puberty

The period of sexual maturation where the person becomes capable of reproducing
Starts at approximately age 10 (as early as 9) in females and age 12 (as late as 16) in males
Major growth spurt
Sequence of physical changes same for all, timing can differ by individual

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Brain Development

Prefrontal Cortex maturing

Grow myelin – speeds up neural communication
Because emotional limbic system is more developed, teens tend to be more emotional
Give in to emotional impulsiveness & risky behaviors & immediate rewards
As Frontal Lobe matures so will judgment, impulse control & long-term planning (becomes fully mature at age 25)

Pruning of unused neurons and connections occurs

You lose what you don’t use!

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Adulthood: Physical, Development�Module 3.2b

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Adult Physical Development

Genetics and lifestyle combine to determine course of physical changes
Your unique genetic blueprint greatly influences the unfolding of certain physical changes during adulthood. Such changes vary significantly from one person to another.
Staying mentally and physically active and eating a proper diet can both slow and minimize the degree of physical decline associated with aging.

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Typical Physical Progression

Physical strength typically peaks in emerging adulthood (18-27)
In early adulthood (late 20s-30s) slight decline in strength starts
By middle adulthood, (40s-65), physical strength and endurance gradually decline
During late adulthood, (65-older), physical stamina and reaction time tend to decline further and faster

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Menopause

Ending of the menstruation cycle
Referred to as the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines
Usually occurs between around age 50
Early menopause can lead to depression

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Later Adulthood’s Physical Changes

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Late Adulthood

Old age as a time of poor health, inactivity, and decline is a myth.
Activity theory of aging - life satisfaction is highest when people maintain level of activity they had in earlier years.
The average life expectancy is 83 with women outliving men by 4.7 years.
The majority of older adults live healthy, active, and self-sufficient lives. Only 4.5% of those age 65 and over live in nursing homes. After 85, it is 20%

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Late Adulthood Physical Changes

Immune system weakens – become more susceptible to life-threatening illness like cancer, Covid, & pneumonia
Fewer short-term ailments (flu & colds) due to accumulation of antibodies
Slower neural processing
Brain regions for memory begin to atrophy

By age 80 brain weight reduces by 5%
Increased impulsivity with atrophy of frontal lobe

Neuroplasticity can help lessen some of these cognitive effects.
Exercise can reduce these aging effects by stimulating neurogenesis, increasing mitochondria in cells.