Chapter 17 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FROM THE YOUNGER ADULT THROUGH TO THE OLDER ADULT
Early adulthood is the period of development from 19–20 years to about 45 years of age. From 46–65 years is classed as middle adulthood, while late adulthood is the period from 65 years on. Adult development involves orderly and sequential changes in characteristics and attitudes. This chapter looks at the continuation of the lifespan, looking at the growth and developmental changes that occur throughout adulthood.
EARLY ADULTHOOD
EMOTIONAL AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
Emotional development concerns adjustment to independent adult life and centres on the formation of adult relationships. Erik Erikson describes this stage of development as that between ‘intimacy and solidarity’ and ‘isolation’ (see Chapter 15). The young adult chooses to adopt one of various lifestyles whereby emotional relationships are established. Some of the choices that may need to be made include whether to marry, to become a parent, to pursue a career or to travel (Sigelman 2003).
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
During this stage young adults generally give more attention to occupational and social pursuits and attempt to improve their socioeconomic status. Their network of relationships provides opportunities for fulfilling a variety of social roles and entering a range of different social systems. Young adults can choose to remain within the prescribed expectations of their society or to relate to society in their own way (Sigelman 2003).
MIDDLE ADULTHOOD
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
EMOTIONAL AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
Erik Erikson describes middle adulthood as the stage characterised by ‘generativity’ versus self-absorption (in Sigelman 2003). Some people achieve a sense of generativity by rearing a family, others by developing careers. This is regarded as the stage when a person is interested in establishing and guiding the next generation, and one in which people strive to ensure continuation of their work and lifestyle. If an adult is unable to assume responsibility for promoting the future they may experience a sense of stagnation, become self-absorbed and be unable to relate effectively to their world (Sigelman 2003).
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
In middle adulthood there are likely to be many changes in a person’s life, such as children moving away from home, change in career, and assuming responsibility for the care of ageing parents. Loss of a spouse or partner by divorce or death is not uncommon. Retirement will be a reality for most adults towards the end of this stage, so it is necessary to plan for the future well before the event. People generally build up a framework of leisure pursuits, hobbies, relationships and financial security in preparation for retirement (Sigelman 2003).
CARING RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUNG AND MIDDLE ADULTS
The expanding aged population has increased the need for informal carers. Many young adults are carers to a spouse, family member or close friend. Often the middle-adult female or spouse assumes the role of principal carer. During middle-adult life people experience their parents’ decline and death and their own children coming of age, marking the transition in intergenerational relationships. The people who will provide care have thus been defined as ‘the sandwich generation’ — traditionally those sandwiched between ageing parents who need care and/or help, and their children. This concept was expanded by Carol Abaya to include the ‘club sandwich’ — those in their 50s or 60s sandwiched between ageing parents, adult children and grandchildren; or those in their 30s and 40s with young children, ageing parents and grandparents (Abaya ND).
It is recommended that carers take time out for themselves and resource or accept help from others. The role of carer is complex and influences most aspects of their lives and thus has critical implications for the health care system and professionals (Ebersole et al 2005).
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