Home Science Chapter 2 Adolescence: Definition, Features And Needs

During adolescence following physical changes occur in girls - 

1. Increase in height and weight
2. Menstruation i.e. onset of monthly periods.
3. Underarm and pubic hair
4. Increase in breast
5. Rounding of hips

Adulthood is divided into two stages:

(I)Early adulthood from 18 to 40 years.

(II) Middle -adulthood from 40 to 60 years.

Early adulthood: In early adulthood person is mental, biologically, socially and psychologically mature. he is accepted as an adult by his family and society.

II. He can vote, gets a driving licence, credit card, admission to college etc.

III. He is expected to be financially independent and choose a career of his choice.

IV. Get married and establish his own family.

V. Be a good citizen and perform his social duties very well.

Middle- adulthood: 40 to 60 years:

I. Person analyses his success and failures in life.

II. If the person achieves in life which he desired in the past, he is happy and prosperous. His way of thinking is in a positive manner.

III. If a person does not get what he desired in the past, he is very negative in thoughts, he is not satisfied with his life and blames other for his failures.

IV. He is very frustrated, provocative and has no hope in his life.

There are certain changes in middle-adulthood:

1. Physical changes: Person becomes physically weak. Stamina is low. due to less physical activity person puts on weight, blood pressure, diabetes may occur. Greying of hair is another change.
2. Due to tension and busy life a person can have some health problems. In ladies, menopause starts. Due to that health gets affected.
3. Change of interest is there. Now work or less physical involvement are taken. The person becomes more religious and gets interested in religious activities.
4. During young adulthood an individual struggles for to establish in an appropriate career according to his or her education and potential and during middle adulthood he achieves the newer heights, fame and success.
5. He has a happy married life and enjoys his own family and children.
6. He wants to earn more and more for his family and provide them maximum comforts he can afford.