Reproductive system matures Secondary sexual development takes place Voices

●Reproductive system matures.○Secondary sexual development takes place.○Voices start to change.○Menstruation begins.●Psychosocial changes○Adolescents and their families often deal with conflict.○Privacy becomes an issue.○Self-consciousness increases.○Adolescents may struggle to create their own identity.

○They often want to be treated like adults, yet cared for like younger children.●Psychosocial changes (cont’d)○Antisocial behavior and peer pressure peak at age 14 to 16 years.■Smoking, illicit drug use, unprotected sex■Eating disorders○Code of ethics develops.○High risk of suicide and depression●Ages 19 to 40 years●Vital signs do not vary greatly.●From 19 to 25 years, the body should be functioning at its optimal level.●Psychosocial changes○Life centers on work, family, and stress.○Settling down, love, childbirth○One of the more stable periods of lifeEarly Adults-●Ages 19 to 40 years●Vital signs do not vary greatly.●From 19 to 25 years, the body should be functioning at its optimal level.●Psychosocial changes○Life centers on work, family, and stress.○Settling down, love, childbirth○One of the more stable periods of lifeMiddle Adults-●Ages 41 to 60 years●Vital signs remain the same.●Vulnerable to vision and hearing loss●Cancer incidence increases.●Menopause occurs in late 40s or early 50s●Diabetes, hypertension, weight problems●Exercise and healthy diet are important.●Psychosocial changes○Focus on achieving life goals○Readjust lifestyle as children leave home○Generally have the physical, emotional, and spiritual reserves to handle life’s issues○May be caring for children leaving for college, along with aging parentsOlder Adults-●61 years and older●Life expectancy is constantly changing.○Now approximately 78 years●Vital signs depend on:○Overall health○Medical conditions○Medications taken●Older adults are often able to overcome numerous medical problems but may need multiple medications.

●Cardiovascular system○Declines with age largely due to atherosclerosis○Heart rate and cardiac output decrease.