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For middle-aged adults ranging from approximately 40-65, emerging into adulthood can be filled with excitement and adventure. However, transitioning can also present a great deal of challenges in all areas of development. Not only are middle-agers exhibiting physical changes such as a decline in reproduction, wrinkled skin, or an increase in weight; but they are also confronted with changes in cognitive abilities. The older middle-aged individuals get, their ability to process information decreases while the ability to retain procedural information can see an increase. Likewise, socio-emotional development also takes place. Middle-aged adults are tasked with getting their own needs met through intimacy and generativity, but often times, must also meet the needs of others. As such, much consideration is given to balance and self-evaluation.

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What is the Life Span Theory in Adulthood?

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What is the Life Span Theory in Adulthood?

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The life span developmental theory of the middle-aged adult is an essential element in keeping the stages of progression clear and in order. A major factor to consider throughout are the gains and losses made over the individual's life span and into the older stage. Similarly, theorist such as Baltes points out that both culture and reproduction contribute to change. However, as the middle-ager becomes older, reproduction declines and the individual focuses more on building resilience as a means of managing loss (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015).

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Erikson, the theorist introduced the concept of ego identity. In adulthood, this refers to who the middle-ager actually is and how he/she is represented in society. The temperament of the middle-ager shapes ego identity making    personality traits such as extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism more pronounced and stable. Factors such as religious and political beliefs, career choices, and interpersonal relationships also help to influence the ego and create a purposeful identity for the middle-ager (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015).

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Leading up to and during the middle years, family norms are being established. Theorists such as Duvall and Sternberg introduce and explain this process as family life cycle. Middle-agers, formally young adults entered into a life of financial responsibility and then transitioned from the nuclear family to begin a family of their own. Once a lifetime marital partner is selected, various stages of child-rearing occurs throughout the middle ages until they become empty-nesters. At this stage, responsibilities for the middle-agers change and most become caretakers of aging parents (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015).

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During all stages of life, humans have socioemotional needs and depict a value toward well-being. For middle-agers, this is expressed through self-determination. Middle-agers feel most satisfied when they are loved, independent, and able to display their innate abilities in society. Theorists Deci and Ryan explain that this occurs when psychological needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness are met (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015).

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As middle-agers approach their 70s, they enter a new phase of life known as late adulthood. While there is a decline in physical appearance, functionality, mobility, and cognition due to age, older adults still have much to offer. They are more inclined to rely on wisdom and adapt to losses. Older adults are also more aware of their socioemotional needs and express feelings of emotional well-being. Although more susceptible to death, it is often less feared by older adults than younger generations; therefore, older adults are more prepared for their final stage of human development (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015).

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Broderick, P.C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.