1. Introduction

2. 1. Introduction 2. Fact or Fiction? 3. Growth, Strength, and Health 4. Health Habits 5. Taking Risks 6. Closing Thoughts

3. Introduction

4. Fact or Fiction? Fiction Fact 1. Physical strength, such as that required to lift a heavy load, peaks by age 21. 2. Many young adults downplay the long-term consequences of risky behaviors. 3. Of all the stages of life, the beginning of young adulthood is the time when problem drinking is most common. 4. College student drinking behavior is more influenced by portrayals of drinking in the media than by peer alcohol use.

5. Strong Bodies How do young adults rate themselves in terms of their health? Topic addressed in a survey Response How many age 18-29 rated health good or better? (National Center for Health Statistics, 2010) 95.8 percent good to excellent; 4.2 percent fair or poor How many age 18-24 felt no limitation to activity due to chronic health problem? (Pew Research Center, 2007) 95.3 percent no limitation How many felt that health was their greatest problem? (Pew Research Center, 2007) 2 percent age 18-24; 15 percent for those over age 25 How many times in a year did males and females age 18-30 visit a doctor? (National Center for Health Statistics, 2010) 1 visit for 55 percent of males; 1 or more visit for 85 percent of females (most often for birth control) emerging adulthood: The period of life between ages 18 and 25.

6. Sexual Activity What general attitudes do emerging adults have about the purpose of sex? Relationship Believed by one-half of people in U.S. (more women than men) Belief that sex is to strengthen pair bonding; dominant belief among emerging adults Preferred sequence: date, fall in love, decide on faithfulness, have sex, live together, marry and have children Reproduction Reported as the main purpose of sex (more women than men; more older than younger) Belief that abstinence is the contraception accepted for fertile women Marry young, pressured by values and sexual desires, plus parent pressure Recreation Believed by one-fourth of people in U.S. (more men than women, especially younger men) Belief that sex is a fundamental human drive; a highly pleasurable physical and mental activity (Cockerham, 2006) Ideally, partners both reach orgasm, without making commitment

7. Problems with aging For each age group, how many U.S. deaths occur for heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Annual Rate per 100,000 Age Group senescence: The process of aging, whereby the body becomes less strong and efficient. homeostasis: The adjustment of all the body’s systems to keep physiological functions in a state of equilibrium. The reason why it is harder to stay at a comfortable body temperature as we age 15-24 7 18 25-34 65 35-44 45-54 219 55-64 561 65-74 1,313 75-84 2,971 85+ 7,126 Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2009. 7

8. Exercise How active are adults in the United States? No Leisure Physical Activity Among U.S. Adults, 2006 Percent not physically active 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Age group 18-24 25-44 45-64 65-74 75+ Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2009.

9. Eating Well What is the recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) for adults? Body Mass Index (BMI): The ratio of a person’s weight in kilograms divided by his or her height in meters squared.

10. Health Risks Compared to other adults, how often are emerging adults treated at U.S. hospitals? Adults with Accidental Injury Treated at U.S. Hospital, 2007 Adults Admitted at Least Once to a Hospital, 2007* Percent 15 Percent 30 10 20 5 10 0 0 18-24 25-44 45-64 65+ 18-24 25-44 45-64 65+ Age group Age group Male Female * Includes for birth. Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2010.

11. Perspective How do social norms affect the amount of alcohol collegestudents drink? Group condition Response One student recruited to drink heavily [group followed social norm of the risk-taking confederate] One student recruited to drink very little [group followed social norm of the cautious confederate] [group alcohol consumption similar to group with cautious confederate] No confederate student recruited Source: reported in W.R. Miller & Carroll, 2006 social norms approach: A method of reducing risky behavior that uses emerging adults’ desire to follow social norms by making them aware, through the use of surveys, of the prevalence of various behaviors within their peer group.

12. Closing Thoughts If an adolescentrelative asked your advice about what to expect as he or she approaches being an adult, what would you be sure to explain about growth, strength, health, and health risks during the emerging adult years?