We know that different cultures, and different time frames, posit human developm

Question

We know that different cultures, and different time frames, posit human development differently. For example, the concept of childhood did not fully emerge until the eighteenth century, but in our current culture a quasi-stage of 'extended adolescence' has evolved to recognize that many people do not take on adult responsibilities until some time in their thirties. The concept of 'middle-aged crisis' so common in America would be quite foreign in a culture that does not even have a concept of 'middle age' (Shweder, 1998) In America, given the latitude about when a person would be 'established' or 'accomplished', at what age do you believe people achieve 'middle age'? Is it 30, 35, 40, 45 or beyond? Which people? What accomplishments? Do these trends apply equally to persons of different socio-economic status? What historical trends could you document that might be responsible for pushing the age of adulthood in American society later into the life cycle? Are they likely to continue or to change? Do you believe that you have achieved 'mid-life'? Is mid-life the 'prime of life'? What is your relationship to your own 'prime of life'? Your post should be at least 250 words, include at least one in-text citation

Explanation / Answer

Middle age is widely considered to be around 40 - 60 if the lifespan is considered to be around 85 years. (Ciccarelli & Meyer, 2006). This may hold true in other countries with similar lifespans. This might apply to people who have led a lifestyle with the factors responsible for living to around 85, e.g. a mostly healthy diet, adequate exercise, moderate to low alcohol intake, etc. This would probably apply regardless of socioeconomic status, as age progresses at the same rate for all - +1 every year. If considered through the lens of life achievements, middle age would come after the peak (in the quality, quantity, or both) of achievements - this would probably be a slight downward slide (in the quality, quantity, or both) in achievements. This isn't necessarily prodictable - there are examples of people who tasted real success only after 60!

Pushing the age of adulthood might have been caused due to increasing lifespans - people simply have more time to spend in each stage of development. A decline in fertility rate meant that parents had more time and attention for each child, meaning that children do not have to shoulder adult responsibilities at a very early age. With women embarking on careers and delaying children (which did not happen often in the past), the adults have more time to stay in the quasi-stage of extended adolescence.

The 'prime of life' is a concept that may hold different meanings for different people. Some may view it as just age-related: when a person is at the peak physically and mentally. Others may view it as a peak in left achievements, which may occur at almost any time in life.

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