Chapter 20

Biolosocial Development inMiddle Adulthood

Michael Hoerger

Types of Aging

Primary• Menopause: 1 year after last menstrual

period• Reduced estrogen Osteoporosis, brittle

bones due to loss of calcium• Increased fat in arteries heart disease

Secondary• Smoking, drinking, having a poor diet,

failing to exercise

Disability

• 50% of people over 75• Long-term difficulties performing normal

activities, due to a physical/mental condition

• Temporarily able-bodied (TABs):• Eventually everyone will be

disabled (or dead)• Every ability you currently have

will someday be gone

Measuring Health

• Life years• Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)• Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)

• Opposite of QALY

• Social policy involves trying to maximize QALYs per dollar

Michael Hoerger

To cite this textbook:• Berger, K. (2005). The developing person

through the lifespan. New York: Worth.

To cite this lecture:• Hoerger, M. (2007, April 4).

Developmental Psychology: Middle Adulthood Biosocial Development. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.