PSYC 290 Week 6 Discussion: Middle Adulthood Development

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Chamberlain University

PSYC-290 Lifespan Development

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Week 6 Discussion: Middle Adulthood Development

In this week’s readings, the focus is on the physical decline that individuals may face in middle adulthood. Specifically, the discussion centers around the potential physical consequences that a 30-year-old individual may experience at 50 years old. It is important to consider some proactive steps that can be taken in the present to reduce these negative outcomes. Among the six factors discussed, diet, exercise, and stress management stand out as essential components that can help mitigate these long-term effects.

Diet and Exercise

For individuals in their 30s, such as myself, adopting healthier habits related to diet and exercise can have significant long-term benefits. According to Women’s Health (2019), the habits developed in one’s 30s have a major impact on their health in later years. Some of the key recommendations include eating a balanced diet, engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5-7 days a week, and maintaining a healthy weight. Personally, I am focusing on eating a healthier diet and incorporating regular exercise into my routine. I monitor my eating habits using various apps, which help me stay accountable and make healthier food choices. Additionally, I have made it a point to walk my dogs daily for 30-60 minutes. This not only benefits their health and behavior but also contributes positively to my own. Over time, I have found that these habits become ingrained, and it becomes easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Stress Management

Managing stress is another crucial factor that can reduce the negative physical consequences of aging. As noted in Life-Span Development by Santrock (2019), chronic stress can lead to a variety of physical issues, including immune system dysfunction, cardiovascular problems, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. In my own experience, managing stress has proven more difficult than diet and exercise. A key way to reduce stress is to avoid comparing your life to others. Everyone is on their unique timeline, and societal expectations, such as being married or having children by a certain age, can add unnecessary stress. Another helpful strategy for stress management is grounding techniques. For instance, focusing on the present moment by observing your surroundings and engaging your senses can help to alleviate stress. It is also important to prioritize tasks, find ways to relax, get adequate sleep, and focus on one’s personal goals (Cocozza, 2019).

In conclusion, making small but impactful changes in diet, exercise, and stress management can help reduce the physical consequences that individuals may face as they age. By focusing on healthy living in our 30s, we can set the foundation for better health in the future.

References

Cocozza, P. (2019, February 3). ‘You will have an emotional reboot’: the ultimate guide to stress at every age. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/feb/03/ultimate-guide-stress-at-every-age

Healthy living in your 30s. (2019, June 7). Women’s Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-living-age/your-30s