Page 1: Physical Development Across the Lifespan
This page provides an in-depth overview of physical development throughout the human lifespan, covering key concepts and stages from infancy to later adulthood. The content is particularly relevant for Unit 1: human lifespan development PDF and Unit 1 Health and Social Care studies.
The page begins by defining fundamental concepts:
Vocabulary: Growth is defined as an increase in measurable qualities such as height or mass, while development refers to an increase in observable skills and abilities.
It then outlines the principles of growth and development, which include:
- Height and weight increase
- Rapid growth during infancy and puberty
- Differences in growth patterns between boys and girls
- Development progressing from head to toe and from inside to outside
- Holistic development, where different areas are interdependent
The document details physical development across various life stages:
Infancy (0-2 years) and Early Childhood (3-8 years):
This section focuses on the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Example: By age 2, infants become more independent. In early childhood, gross motor skills develop further, with children able to run and ride a tricycle by age 3, and skip and ride a bike by ages 6-7.
Adolescence (9-18 years):
This stage is marked by the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
Highlight: Primary sexual characteristics involve changes in reproductive organs, while secondary characteristics are outward signs of development from child to adult.
The page also covers adolescence sexual characteristics HSC Unit 1 questions, detailing specific changes for both males and females.
Early Adulthood (19-45 years):
This period is characterized by peak physical condition.
Quote: "Peak at 19-28 years, best strength, agility, reaction time, dexterity, full height etc."
Middle Adulthood (46-65 years):
This stage involves gradual physical changes and the onset of menopause in women.
Definition: Menopause involves the gradual ending of menstruation, reduction of sex hormones, shrinkage of sexual organs, and potential mood changes.
Later Adulthood (65+ years):
The document concludes with information on later adulthood, noting that the maximum human lifespan is around 120 years. It discusses the effects of the aging process, including potential loss of height, decreased heart function, and reduced mobility and dexterity.
This comprehensive overview provides valuable insights into child development stages 0-19 years UK NHS and is an excellent resource for Unit 1 health and social care Level 3 studies.
