Middle adulthood is accompanied by several physiological changes. Although this is unavoidable, the value of physical activity in this age group cannot be overstated. After 30, the body loses 3-8 percent of its muscular mass per decade, and after 60 years, the loss increases (Toh et al., 2020). Rheumatoid arthritis can strike anybody between the ages of 30 and 60 (Heckhausen et al., 2019). It is the third most frequent kind of arthritis, and the cause is unclear at this time. There is generally a rise in chronic inflammation throughout this stage of life, with no clear reason (Heckhausen et al., 2019). Fatigue, fever, or increased susceptibility to illnesses including cancer, and heart disease are all possible side effects.
In middle age, several major biological changes take place. Vision, hearing, joint discomfort, and weight gain are all affected (Toh et al., 2020). As a result, middle-aged people frequently experience issues with close vision as well as night vision. Presbycusis is the most prevalent cause of hearing loss, affecting one out of every four persons aged 65 to 74 and one out of every two people aged 75 (Heckhausen et al., 2019). Years of exposure to high noise levels cause this loss to build up.
Middle age has traditionally been viewed as a time of reflection and transition, sometimes referred to as a “midlife crisis.” Of course, the facts on which it is based have been extensively questioned, so this may have been an exaggeration. However, there is some evidence that people undertake a psychological assessment, reframe their objectives, and emerge out of this phase with a somewhat altered focus on emotional regulation and interpersonal engagement (Tucker-Drob et al., 2019).
The way middle-aged persons view themselves undergoes several socio-emotional changes. While people in their 20s may emphasize their age to garner respect or be perceived as experienced, by the time they reach 40, they tend to emphasize their youth (Toh et al., 2020). In terms of emotions, the middle-aged intellect is calmer, less neurotic, better at controlling emotions, and better at coping with social circumstances (Böger & Huxhold, 2018). In comparison to younger individuals, older adults tend to focus more on good information and less on negative information.
Aging entails dealing with a slew of psychological, emotional, and social issues that come with reaching the end of one’s life. People become increasingly reliant on others as they get older. Because of their growing need, older persons may experience emotions of guilt, humiliation, or sadness, especially in communities where older people are seen as a burden (Böger & Huxhold, 2018). As their loved ones pass away, many older people endure feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can impact their health and well-being. As individuals get older, they often require assistance with everyday tasks, and they may become reliant on caregivers (relatives, friends, healthcare workers) or nursing staff (Böger & Huxhold, 2018). Many elderly individuals spend their final years in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, which can have a negative influence on their social and mental well-being.
Religion, spirituality, and belief can help older persons in a variety of ways, including greater health and well-being, enhanced coping abilities, social support, and chances to engage in society. Religion, spirituality, and beliefs occur in the daily lives of older people in a variety of ways that impact their aging experience (Malone & Dadswell, 2018). When it comes to health and other aging-related difficulties, religion, spirituality, and belief may be a source of strength, comfort, and hope. These variables are thought to contribute to happy aging, demonstrating the importance of religion, spirituality, and belief in healthy aging (Malone & Dadswell, 2018). These natural elements of strength, comfort, and hope may be viewed as distinct processes by which religion, spirituality, and beliefs assist older people in better coping with the obstacles they experience.
Being a part of a religious or spiritual group may make you feel less lonely and alone, which is especially essential as adults become older. This subject may also be explored in light of the conventional family’s shrinking role and what this implies for older people’s support networks, as well as how the changing world is sometimes viewed as a danger to the community (Malone & Dadswell, 2018). In general, religion has a positive influence as a source of strength, comfort, and hope in difficult times. The sense of community can provide strength in times when loneliness and social isolation are more prevalent.
Middle and late adulthood is greatly influenced and shaped by many factors, including physical, cognitive, socioemotional, etc. Preventive strategies to increase physical well-being become increasingly crucial for persons in their middle or late adulthood. As people become older, they become more dependent on others and may begin to think about and reassess their past views and ideals, a process described as a middle-aged crisis. At the same time, older individuals may feel guilty, humiliated, or unhappy due to their increased needs. In this setting, religion and spirituality can play a significant role in keeping positive aging on track. Religion may provide consolation, hope, and strength, while being a member of a religious community may help in coping with loneliness.
Reference
Böger, A., & Huxhold, O. (2018). Age-related changes in emotional qualities of the social network from middle adulthood into old age: How do they relate to the experience of loneliness?. Psychology and Aging, 33(3), 482. Web.
Heckhausen, J., Wrosch, C., & Schulz, R. (2019). Agency and motivation in adulthood and old age. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 191-217. Web.
Malone, J., & Dadswell, A. (2018). The Role of Religion, Spirituality and/or Belief in Positive Ageing for Older Adults. Geriatrics, 3(2), 28. Web.
Toh, W. X., Yang, H., & Hartanto, A. (2020). Executive function and subjective well-being in middle and late adulthood. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 75(6), 69-77. Web.
Tucker-Drob, E. M., Brandmaier, A. M., & Lindenberger, U. (2019). Coupled cognitive changes in adulthood: A meta-analysis. Psychological bulletin, 145(3), 273. Web.