Lifespan Development Overview

Introduction

• Instructor: Jessica Herzler
• Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
• Topic: Review of Chapter 9 on Lifespan Development
• Focus: Discuss different age groups and their development

Neonates and Infants

• Neonates: Birth to 1 month

  • Heart rate: 100-205 beats/min after birth
  • Breathing rate: 30-60 breaths/min
  • Neonates weigh 3-3.5 kg
  • Head accounts for ~25% of body weight
  • Nose breathers primarily
  • Fontanelles (soft spots) fuse by 18 months
  • Indicators of health: depressed fontanelle (shock), bulging (intracranial pressure)

• Infants: 1 month to 1 year

  • By 2 months: Track objects, recognize faces
  • By 6 months: Sit in high chair
  • By 12 months: Walk, know their name

Toddlers and Preschool Age

• Toddlers: 1-2 years (some sources say up to 3 years)
• Preschool Age: 3-5 years
  • Heart rate: 80-120 beats/min
  • Respiratory rate: 20-28 breaths/min
  • Capillary refill time used for perfusion assessment in children under 2
  • Rapid brain development
  • By age 3, children walk, run, and climb
  • Speech: Single words to sentences; developmental delays are normal
  • Developing independence and literal understanding

School Age Children

• Ages: 6-11 (pre-adolescents: 10-12)
  • Physical growth and development
  • Nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting) is common
  • Social development: Independence, rule adherence, understanding of concepts like pain

Adolescents

• Ages: 12-15
  • Growth spurts, puberty (girls: ~10, boys: ~12)
  • Psychological changes: Rebellious, desire for adult treatment
  • Concerns: Bullying, body image, eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia)

Early Adulthood

• Ages: 20-40
  • Peak physical condition: 19-26 years
  • Heart rate: ~70 beats/min, Respiratory: 12-20 breaths/min
  • Establishing careers, families, financial independence

Middle Adulthood

• Ages: 41-60
  • Increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes)
  • Women experience menopause
  • New financial responsibilities with aging parents
  • Height may decrease due to osteoporosis

Late Adulthood

• Ages: 61+
  • Vital signs vary with health
  • Increase in disease and illness incidence
  • Cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems decline
  • Risks of falls, nutritional issues, and diminished sensory perception
  • Social challenges: Isolation, financial decisions

Key Takeaways

• Empathy for patients across all ages
• Tailoring assessments and interactions based on age and developmental stage
• Recognizing challenges associated with each life stage

These notes provide a structured overview of lifespan development as discussed in the lecture, emphasizing physiological, psychosocial changes, and challenges across different age groups. Use these notes to prepare for exams and understand the progression of human development.