Physical and Cognitive Development
CONTENTS
1. Statement of the problem page 2
2. Aims page 2 3. Physical development page 3
3.1 Physical development during early adulthood page 3
3.2 Physical development during middle adulthood page 3
3.3 Physical development during late adulthood page 5
4. Cognitive development page 7
4.1 Crystallised and fluid intelligence page 7
4.2 Cognitive development during early adulthood page 8
4.3 Cognitive development during middle adulthood page 10
4.4 Cognitive development during late adulthood page 11
5. The influence of physical and cognitive development on adulthood page 15
6. Synthesis page 15
7. Bibliography page 17
1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Growth and development during adulthood can in some areas continue indefinitely while, in others, decline starts as soon as in early adulthood.
Up until two decades ago, it was commonly believed that the intelligence of people increased until their early twenties, then decreased for the rest of the lifespan. Different reasons have been given for this theory, including the idea that physical and cognitive activities decrease with age.
Recent studies have shown that intelligence is not an obstacle to learning in old age (Tuijnman & van der Kamp 1992:7) Individual differences among people do exist, and older adults, especially if being considered as learners, cannot be treated or viewed as a single group.
2. AIMS
This essay will outline the physical and cognitive changes, and the resulting implications, that occur throughout adulthood. Many biological changes occur throughout the lifespan, and I will focus on those changes which affect mental abilities, particularly those that affect adults in the learning environment.
Many frameworks are used when investigating development through the lifespan. For this essay, the divisions as identified Hurlock (1981) will be used:
Early adulthood: 18 40 years (ends with the appearance of changes that result in
1. Statement of the problem page 2
2. Aims page 2 3. Physical development page 3
3.1 Physical development during early adulthood page 3
3.2 Physical development during middle adulthood page 3
3.3 Physical development during late adulthood page 5
4. Cognitive development page 7
4.1 Crystallised and fluid intelligence page 7
4.2 Cognitive development during early adulthood page 8
4.3 Cognitive development during middle adulthood page 10
4.4 Cognitive development during late adulthood page 11
5. The influence of physical and cognitive development on adulthood page 15
6. Synthesis page 15
7. Bibliography page 17
1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Growth and development during adulthood can in some areas continue indefinitely while, in others, decline starts as soon as in early adulthood.
Up until two decades ago, it was commonly believed that the intelligence of people increased until their early twenties, then decreased for the rest of the lifespan. Different reasons have been given for this theory, including the idea that physical and cognitive activities decrease with age.
Recent studies have shown that intelligence is not an obstacle to learning in old age (Tuijnman & van der Kamp 1992:7) Individual differences among people do exist, and older adults, especially if being considered as learners, cannot be treated or viewed as a single group.
2. AIMS
This essay will outline the physical and cognitive changes, and the resulting implications, that occur throughout adulthood. Many biological changes occur throughout the lifespan, and I will focus on those changes which affect mental abilities, particularly those that affect adults in the learning environment.
Many frameworks are used when investigating development through the lifespan. For this essay, the divisions as identified Hurlock (1981) will be used:
Early adulthood: 18 40 years (ends with the appearance of changes that result in