PSYC 290N Week 6 Discussion - Download Paper To Score An A Grade

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Week 6_ Discussion Question Option 1: In your readings this week, there is an extensive discussion on the physical decline that adults in their middle adulthood may likely face. What are some small s... teps that a 30-year- old patient can take now that can help reduce some of the negative physical consequences that they could experience at 50-years-old? Address at least 2 of the 6 listed: Diet, Exercise, sleep and substance use. According to Santrock physical changes of midlife are usually gradual and among the physical changes of middle adulthood are changes in physical appearance (wrinkles, age spots); height (decrease) and weight (increase); strength, joints, and bones; vision and hearing; cardiovascular system; lungs and sleep (Santrock, 2019, p. 488). People needs to start taking care of their health in their early age to prevent disease and risks later in their life. There are many healthy habits that my 30-year-old patient can start adapting to reduce negative physical consequences in their late adulthood. The two most effective habits are daily physical activities and have a healthy diet plan which can promote heart health (Cardiovascular System), muscle health, joints, bones, prevent constipation, maintain healthy weight, and promote cognitive health (Mayo Clinic, 2020). The level of cholesterol in the blood increases during the adult years and in midlife begins to accumulate on the artery walls, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) also begins to appear for many individuals in their forties and fifties and a study reveals that hypertension in middle age was linked to risk of cognitive impairment in late adulthood (Santrock, 2019, p.469-470). In order to prevent cardiovascular disease my patient should start including high level of physical activity and a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein such as fish and also limit foods high in saturated fat and salt; physical activities such as walking or swimming can help maintain a healthy weight and lower your heart disease risk.(Mayo Clinic, 2020). These healthy diet and physical activities can also promote your cognitive health as physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. A study suggest regular exercise is associated with better brain function and reduces stress and depression- factors that affect memory. With age, muscles, bones and joints tend to weaken and in order to promote that my patient needs to include dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D such as dairy products, broccoli, kale, salmon, tofu, tuna, eggs, and vitamin D milk. Also, physical activities such as weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, jogging, tennis, climbing stairs and weight training can help build stronger bones and slow bone loss (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Moreover, sleep plays an important role for adults to function optimally. Santrock mentioned that currently being smoker, lack of exercise, having irregular meals and frequently experiencing stressful events are some of the factors linked to sleep problems in middle age (Santrock, 2019, p. 471). To improve sleep quality, one needs to take care of their diet, physical activities, maintain stress through meditation and/or control the consumption of substances. I would recommend my patient to quit alcohol consumption as it may also lead to confusion and memory loss (changes in thinking skills) and quitting smoking may help your cognitive health and it also contributes to skin damage such as wrinkling (Mayo Clinic, 2020). References Aging: What to expect. (2020, November 19). Retrieved December 02, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070 Santrock, J. W. (2019). Life-span development. McGraw-Hill Education. [Show More]

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