Part 1: This unit covers many facets (physical, cognitive, emotional) of development during middle adulthood. Here we begin to focus much more on the aging process while cognition and socioemotional development continue to develop. While some trends are consistent and we can expect declines in certain areas, there are a wide variety of variables and factors that impact aging and continuous growth (mentally and emotionally). Considering this, what are some common experiences and trends that most people can expect? What are some recommendations you would make for supporting healthy aging during middle adulthood? What can individuals do to minimize the effects of aging and maximize health and longevity (one paragraph required for part 1)? Please make specific connections to your text or another scholarly source to back up your thoughts (you must cite this source).
Part 2: In part 2, you will explore some research developed for the U.S. Army, but that is valuable to all adults when it comes to mental wellness. Consider what Reivich, Seligman, and McBride have to say about resilience in their article “Master Resilience Training in the U.S. Army.” (attached as file)Take some time to read through the article, located under this unit’s Additional Resources, and think about how someone in middle adulthood might apply these insights in order to support hardiness as they age. In one paragraph, focus on one aspect of their findings and suggest how the average adult might use the insights to support mental wellness as they age. Please make specific connections to the scholarly article to back up your thoughts (you must cite this source).
Part 3: There were various subjects and theories discussed in the text for this week that might catch your interest. For example, Erikson’s stage for middle adulthood focuses on generating career growth and stability in the home, while others focus on changing relationship dynamics. In the text, these are presented more as topics and center less on formal theories but make an effort to review a section that interests you most and see which researchers are cited. Choose an area of discussion in the text that you find interesting, summarize it briefly, then offer your thoughts on the content and research findings. How can they inform us of ways to move through middle adulthood successfully? Please make specific connections to your text or another scholarly source to back up your thoughts (you must cite this source).