2.1.13 Adaptations in adult life
Adaptations in Adult Life
Adaptations in adult life refer to the changes that individuals go through as they age. These changes can occur in multiple domains, including physical, emotional, and cognitive.
Physical adaptations in adult life include changes in vision, hearing, and mobility. As individuals age, they may experience a decline in visual acuity and may develop conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. Similarly, hearing loss is a common occurrence in older adults, with age-related hearing loss affecting one in three adults over the age of 65 (NIDCD, 2021). Physical changes in the body can also lead to a decline in mobility, with older adults being more susceptible to falls and other accidents.
Emotional adaptations in adult life include changes in mood and coping mechanisms. Studies have shown that older adults are more likely to experience depression and other mood disorders (Laidlaw et al., 2020). However, some research also suggests that older adults may have better-coping mechanisms and greater resilience to stress compared to younger adults (Pinquart & Sörensen, 2001).
Cognitive adaptations in adult life include changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Age-related declines in cognitive function are a normal part of ageing, with changes in working memory, processing speed and executive function being the most commonly reported (Salthouse, 2010). However, it is important to note that cognitive decline is not an inevitable aspect of ageing and that older adults can maintain cognitive function through activities such as regular physical exercise, cognitive training and social engagement.
In conclusion, adaptations in adult life are a normal part of ageing and can occur in multiple domains, including physical, emotional and cognitive. It is important for individuals to be aware of these changes and to take steps to maintain their physical and mental health as they age.
Pairing:
Adaptations in adult life can also have an impact on relationships and pairings. As individuals age, they may experience changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities that can affect their interactions with others.
| Pairing adaptation: | Summary: |
| Physical | Physical adaptations, such as changes in vision and hearing, can make communication with others more difficult. This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and isolation. It can also make it harder for older adults to participate in activities they once enjoyed, such as going to the movies or attending social events, which can further limit their social interactions. |
| Emotional | Emotional adaptations, such as changes in mood and coping mechanisms, can also affect relationships. For example, older adults who experience depression or other mood disorders may find it harder to maintain positive relationships with their loved ones. Similarly, changes in coping mechanisms can lead to different ways of responding to stress, which can be difficult for partners to understand. |
| Cognitive | Cognitive adaptations, such as changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, can also have an impact on relationships. For example, older adults may have trouble remembering important dates or appointments, which can lead to disappointment or frustration for their partners. They may also have difficulty following conversations or understanding complex information, which can make communication more challenging. |
It is important for couples and other pairings to be aware of these potential changes and to make adjustments in order to maintain their relationship. This can include finding new ways of communicating, setting realistic expectations and finding new activities to do together. Couples counselling and therapy can also be beneficial in addressing and coping with these adaptations in adult life.
Parenting:
Adaptations in adult life can have a significant impact on parenting. As individuals age, they may experience changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities that can affect their ability to parent.
| Pairing adaptation: | Summary: |
| Physical | Physical adaptations, such as changes in vision and hearing, can make it more difficult for older adults to keep up with the demands of parenting. For example, an older parent with declining vision may have trouble seeing a child’s homework or monitoring their activities, while an older parent with hearing loss may have trouble understanding a child’s verbal communication. These physical limitations can make it harder for older adults to provide the necessary guidance and support to their children. |
| Emotional | Emotional adaptations, such as changes in mood and coping mechanisms, can also affect parenting. For example, older adults who experience depression or other mood disorders may find it harder to maintain positive relationships with their children. They may also have trouble coping with the stress of parenting and may find it harder to provide emotional support to their children. |
| Cognitive | Cognitive adaptations, such as changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, can also have an impact on parenting. For example, older adults may have trouble remembering important information about their children, such as their schedules or their medical history. They may also have difficulty following conversations or understanding complex information, which can make communication more challenging. |
It is important for older adults who are parents to be aware of these potential changes and to make adjustments in order to continue to effectively parent their children. This can include seeking support from other family members or caregivers, finding new ways of communicating, setting realistic expectations, and finding new activities to do together.
Illness:
Illness can also have an impact on adaptations in adult life. As individuals age, they may develop chronic health conditions that can affect their physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
| Pairing adaptation: | Summary: |
| Physical | Physical adaptations can occur as a result of an illness. For example, a chronic illness such as arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, making it more difficult for older adults to move around and perform daily activities. Similarly, chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory illness can lead to decreased mobility and physical function. These chronic health conditions can affect not only physical adaptations but also mental health, leading to depression and anxiety. |
| Emotional | Emotional adaptations can also occur as a result of an illness. Chronic illnesses can be a significant source of stress, and older adults may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness as a result. They may also experience changes in mood and coping mechanisms as they adapt to their illness and its impact on their daily lives. |
| Cognitive | Cognitive adaptations can also occur as a result of an illness. Chronic illnesses can lead to cognitive decline, for example, conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions can lead to changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, which can make it more difficult for older adults to manage their illness and perform daily activities. |
It is important for older adults to be aware of these potential changes and to take steps to manage their illness as they age. This can include working with healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan, making lifestyle changes, and seeking support from family and friends. Additionally, addressing the emotional and mental health impact of chronic illness can help older adults to adapt better (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021) (National Institute on Aging, 2021).
Bereavement and loss:
Bereavement, or the experience of losing a loved one, can also have an impact on adaptations in adult life. The experience of grief can affect an individual’s physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
| Pairing adaptation: | Summary: |
| Physical | Physical adaptations can occur as a result of bereavement. Grief can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite. Bereavement can also lead to physical changes such as weight loss or gain and can lead to a decline in physical health. This is due to the fact that the body goes through a lot of physiological changes such as increased stress hormone levels, which can cause a number of physical symptoms. |
| Emotional | Emotional adaptations can also occur as a result of bereavement. Grief can cause emotional symptoms such as sadness, guilt, and anger. Bereavement can also lead to changes in mood and coping mechanisms, as individuals adapt to the loss of their loved one. Grief is a natural and normal process but it can also be a long-lasting and intense experience, leading to depression and anxiety. |
| Cognitive | Cognitive adaptations can also occur as a result of bereavement. Grief can cause cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and confusion. Bereavement can also lead to changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities as individuals try to adjust to life without their loved ones. |
It is important for older adults who are experiencing bereavement to be aware of these potential changes and to take steps to manage their grief as they age. This can include seeking support from family and friends, talking to a therapist or counsellor, and participating in support groups. Additionally, it’s important to have self-care activities and maintain physical activity. Coping with grief can be challenging and can take time, but with the right support and resources, older adults can adapt and move forward in their lives (National Institute on Aging, 2021) (Hospice UK, 2021).
References:
(1) Carstensen, L. L. (2006). The influence of a sense of time on human development. Science, 312(5781), 1913-1915.
(2) Hospice UK (2021). Bereavement and Grief. Retrieved from https://www.hospiceuk.org/support-us/grief-and-bereavement-support/bereavement-and-grief
(3) Laidlaw, K., Lipson, S. F., & Pressman, S. D. (2020). Age-related differences in mood and coping: a systematic review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 35(9), 994-1004.
(4) National Institute on Aging (2021). Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease
(5) National Institute on Aging (2021). Grief and Bereavement. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/grief-and-bereavement
(6) National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (2021). Age-Related Hearing Loss. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss
(7) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2021). Stroke. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke
(8) Pinquart, M., & Sörensen, S. (2001). Stress and coping in older adults: a meta-analysis. Psychology and aging, 16(4), 706.
(9) Salthouse, T. A. (2010). Major issues in cognitive aging. Oxford University Press.