Adulthood and Old Age

Abstract

From the end of adolescence it is an unwelcome but none the less inevitable and accepted fact that each of us begins to develop a variety of physical defects and failures leading to a gradual deterioration of physical and mental facilities. This has repercussions on our images of ourselves (our self-concepts) and on our relationships with others. Although society has taken account of this deterioration problem in some instances, such as retirement (often called disengagement), retraining, insurance and pension schemes, certain aspects do cause concern. For instance from the mid-twenties onwards promotional prospects tend to increase so that age brings responsibility, though as cognitive speed, conceptual complexity, and physical dexterity decline, there is also less efficiency.