Life Does Not Always Go As Planned When Aging ✓ Solved

Life Does Not Always Go As Planned And As A Person Ages Into Adult An

Life does not always go as planned, and as a person ages into adult and middle adulthood those unexpected life changes can be significantly disruptive. As our readings described, there are unexpected changes (non-normative life events) that influence our lives, but there are also the more silent changes that occur over time. These changes are cumulative and are based on our lifestyle. Using sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research some information on the leading causes of death related to lifestyle choices. Explain some of the factors that may influence choices regarding lifestyle. Also, research some ways in which individuals can improve their lifestyle, especially during adulthood.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding Lifestyle and Its Impact on Health During Adulthood

Life's unpredictability becomes more evident as individuals transition into adulthood and middle age. While some life changes are anticipated, such as career development or family formation, others are non-normative and can significantly disrupt an individual's life. These unexpected events, along with silent, progressive lifestyle changes, play a critical role in shaping health outcomes. Analyzing the leading causes of death related to lifestyle choices provides insight into how behaviors influence health in adulthood and what interventions can mitigate risks.

The Leading Causes of Death Related to Lifestyle Choices

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020), major lifestyle-related causes of death in adults include heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, primarily attributed to unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption (CDC, 2020). Similarly, cancer-related deaths are often linked to lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, and inadequate sun protection (American Cancer Society, 2021). Chronic respiratory diseases primarily result from smoking and environmental exposures, while stroke and diabetes are closely associated with obesity, hypertension, sedentary behavior, and poor nutrition.

Factors Influencing Lifestyle Choices

Several factors influence individual lifestyle choices, including socio-economic status, education, cultural norms, environmental factors, and psychological states. For instance, lower socio-economic status is often associated with limited access to healthy foods, safe places for exercise, and healthcare, leading to higher prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases (Adler & Ostrove, 1999). Educational attainment impacts awareness of health risks and motivation to engage in healthy behaviors (Cutler & Lleras-Muney, 2010). Cultural norms may dictate dietary patterns and perceptions of physical activity, while environmental factors such as neighborhood safety can limit outdoor exercise (Sampson et al., 2002). Psychological factors like stress, depression, and anxiety can also lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms like overeating, smoking, or alcohol misuse (Luppino et al., 2010).

Strategies for Improving Lifestyle During Adulthood

To improve lifestyle and reduce health risks, adults can adopt various evidence-based strategies. Regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise and strength training, has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (Warburton et al., 2006). Dietary modifications, including increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and reduction of processed foods, aid in weight management and disease prevention (Sofi et al., 2017). Smoking cessation programs, moderate alcohol intake, and stress management techniques further contribute to better health outcomes (Fiore et al., 2008). Healthcare providers can also promote screenings and health education tailored to adult populations to encourage early detection and lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Understanding the interplay between lifestyle choices and health outcomes during adulthood emphasizes the importance of proactive behavior modifications. Addressing social, environmental, and psychological factors influencing lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in health and quality of life. As individuals age, adopting healthier habits not only reduces the risk of life-threatening diseases but also promotes overall well-being and resilience against unexpected life changes.

References

  • Adler, N. E., & Ostrove, J. M. (1999). Socioeconomic Status and Health: What We Know and What We Don’t. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 896(1), 3-15.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Leading Causes of Death. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
  • Cutler, D. M., & Lleras-Muney, A. (2010). Understanding Differences in Health Behaviors by Education. Journal of Health Economics, 29(1), 1-28.
  • Fiore, M. C., Jaen, C. R., Baker, T., et al. (2008). Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. Clinical Practice Guideline. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • American Cancer Society. (2021). Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society.
  • Luppino, F. S., de Wit, L. M., Bouvy, P. F., et al. (2010). Overweight, Obesity, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(3), 220-229.
  • Sampson, R. J., Raudenbush, S. W., & Earls, F. (2002). Neighborhoods and Violent Crime: A Multi-level Study. Science, 277(5328), 918-924.
  • Sofi, F., Cesari, F., Abbate, R., et al. (2017). The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Preventing Age-Related Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(2), 292.
  • Warburton, D. E., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. (2006). Health Benefits of Physical Activity: The Evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174(6), 801-809.

Related Assignments