Summary of Adult Development

Adulthood is defined as the age range between ages 21-65. During this timeframe, many psychosocial changes occur. In young adults, relationships become more significant as one starts his or her career. This is characterized by Erikson's intimacy versus isolation stage. Adults then transition to the next stage, generativity versus stagnation. During this stage, people begin to take on a larger role in the community yet are often faced with taking care of their children and parents as well. This can be stressful. Not only do mental changes take place, physical changes occur as well. 

Once a person reaches young adulthood, growth is almost complete. Strength, coordination, and balance improve in a person's 20s and 30s and then slowly decline afterwards. Although strength peaks early on, the number of muscle fibers increases until about age 50, and then begins to decrease. Bone mass increases and then starts to decline around age 40, especially with women in menopause (Shaban, n.d). A person's lifestyle and diet can either prolong or hasten the onset of these age-related changes. The formation of healthy exercise and eating habits are especially important early on, as it becomes harder to pick up new habits with age. This should be a primary focus for PTs and PTAs in this age range.

Many changes in the nervous system take places as well. Visual changes occur around age 45, and cataract formation is more likely. In the nervous system, nerve conduction rates increase until age 30 and then begin to decrease. As a result, motor and sensory function gradually decline throughout adulthood. The vestibular system is affected by decreases in sensory fibers, but past experience and knowledge makes up for the loss (Shaban, n.d). Usually, cognitive decline doesn't begin until late adulthood, but its onset can be extended with mentally stimulating activities such as reading or learning new hobbies. Exercise has been linked to cognition as well, as it increases metabolism and blood flow to the brain.

In the adult population, maintaining strength and endurance, among other things, are important as one ages. Staying up-to-date with yearly health exams is important as physical function begins to decline. As health care workers, it is our responsibility to know the effects of aging and how it may impact treatment. For example, vestibular or visual impairments affect a person's balance, so safety may be an issue for some patients. When treating this population, it's important to remember that each person is at a different place in their life and are facing a unique set of challenges. Teaching stress management techniques, i.e. deep breathing, may be helpful. More importantly, the ability to listen and empathize with patients is essential, as communication can greatly impact one's outcomes in therapy.