Health Issues In Middle Adulthood
Middle adulthood is generally referred to as the period between youth and old age; however there are no clear rules to indicate a demarcation. Generally those between 40 to 60 years of age are considered to be middle-aged. The results from a national survey conducted in the United States indicated that changing physical condition, health and mental functioning, as well as the aspect of ageing, were considered to be the most troublesome aspects of this period. The initial and most apparent physiological change is that in one’s appearance. Skin begins to sag and wrinkle, and hair turns grey. The psychological aspect of these changes may exceed in significance, serving as a crude reminder of one’s ageing body, indicating that one’s youthful appearance and the associated physical capabilities are strongly deteriorating.
Another significant physiological change is in the form of menopause for women, which is most often accompanied by dizzy spells, rapid increases in body temperature or 'hot flashes”, as well as sudden mood changes. Ageing men also experience certain sexual problems, particularly erectile dysfunction. People in this age group also experience stiffness of joints, decreased ease of movement and a noticeable decline in muscle movement. Some level of sensory deficits also begins to come into notice. Presbyopia, i. e the lessened ability to focus on near objects, is common. There is also an occurrence of chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome, which are serious and debilitating conditions. In a survey asking adults what worried them, more than half the respondents reported being either “afraid” or “very afraid” of having cancer.
The prevalence of certain chronic illnesses does steadily increase with each passing decade. Arthritis, diabetes and hypertension are among the most frequent chronic disorders. The risk of breast cancer in women also begins to increase after the age of 30. The incidence of cardiovasucal disease also escalates in the late 40s and early 50s. Certain cognitive abilities like inductive reasoning, spatial orientations and verbal memory, have also been found to gradually decline through old age. While it is generally understood that there is a decline in functioning and health as one reaches the middle adulthood, evidence isn’t that black and white. In a study with individuals in their early 40s, only 7% had reported having a disability.
Despite it being a period of relatively good physical and psychological health, and productivity owing to skills and experience acquired, one cannot ignore the changes in physical and mental abilities that take place as a result of the ageing process. These changes occur gradually, and are the product of a variety of factors ranging from genetic makeup, the demands of and transitions in social roles, lifestyle choices as well as health related behaviours in one’s youth.
Health concerns gain importance in this period of one’s lifespan because of the associated limitations in functioning, and disabilities. Individuals begin to find their physical, cognitive and emotional abilities more restricted, and may face some level of difficulty in performing daily activities. These limitations tend to increase with age. It also important to keep in mind the role of stress on one’s health, which is especially exacerbated with the changing roles and burdens associated with midlife. Although stress affects people of all ages, middle-aged people have been found to report the highest levels and it also the period when the effects of stress become most apparent.
People in this age may either experience growth in their careers, or they may be faced with competition from peers who are much younger than them; they may experience the “empty nest syndrome” with their children growing up. While a lot of couples do find their marriages strengthened with more time to give each other, one can certainly not ignore the rising levels of divorce- so they have to deal with the stresses of changing family dynamics in addition to increasing burdens in the form of bill payments and caretaking of aged parents.
This experience of stress has adverse effects on one’s health through multiple pathways such as reduced functioning of the immune system. Many specific diseases and conditions are also triggered or exacerbated by stress, such as angina, arrhythmias, increased cholesterol, sexual dysfunction, as well as poorer memory and cognitive performance.
Therefore, keeping all these factors associated with health in middle adulthood, it is extremely important to ensure a healthy lifestyle made up of physical activity and healthy behaviours in order to escape the ill-effects. These health habits have been found to not only reduce the risk of diseases but also positively influence the ageing process.
