Stages of the lifespan

Throughout our lifespan our needs will change. From conception through to adulthood we move from a state of complete dependency on others to a state of independence.

As we pass through each stage of development, we move closer to adulthood and independence. Each period of growth and development is characterised by its own set of tasks, issues, accomplishments and needs.

The stages of the life span can be identified as;

infancy
childhood
adolescence
adulthood
the aged

This progression involves fulfilling specific needs. Some needs may be more significant to our development at certain life span stages. These needs may be satisfied by the individual, their family, social groups or the community.

Activity:

Create a poster that summarises one of the stages of the life span.

Infancy

This begins from the day of birth and lasts until age 4. It is a time period characterised by infants intense growth and a dependency on family to fulfil their needs. Family is the first place of socialisation. An infant may be taught manners and what behaviours are appropriate in society.

Childhood

Childhood lasts from ages 5 to 12. This stage is characterised by beginning school, learning and trying different activities and establishing friendship groups. At this stage, school is an influence on socialisation. Schools establish rules and boundaries of behaviour for safety and to adapt behaviour to society's customs. When a family's values clash with a school's values, children may receive mixed messages.

Adolescence

Adolescence begins at the onset of puberty, generally around the age of 12-13 and ends at 18 years of age. It is the transition between childhood and adulthood. Adolescence is characterised by physical changes, accompanied by social and emotional adjustments that can be demanding.

Schools, peer groups and media are sources of information for this group. These sources will either consciously or unconsciously reinforce certain behaviours for adolescence. Adolescence can still be very vulnerable to outside influences. Family also plays an important role in the socialisation of adolescence.

Adulthood

Begins at 18 years, according to law, and lasts until age 65. It is a time of complex decision-making e.g. Study, job, travel, rent, buy, family.

When individuals leave home they relationships often intensify and they may marry, have children, establish careers. Later in adulthood more time may be spent with family, developing traditions, gaining financial stability, paying off the family home and eventually entering retirement.

Fitting into new settings is important for this stage of socialisation e.g. university, work. Many key values are established at this stage, however, if adults want to form productive working groups, they may have to adapt their behaviour to suit their environment.

The aged

The stage of the life span begins at age 65 and continues until death. It is characterised by a reduction in physical ability, deteriorating health and the loss of spouse and friends. It is also a time of little responsibility, so this time is often characterised by travel if a person's health is good. Despite deteriorating health and mobility, many aged people remain active members of the community. Socialisation for this group may involve adapting to a new housing situation.

Activity:

Create a timeline or collage of your lifetime thus far - annotate collage/timeline with dates, specific needs at that particular time etc

Activity:

For one of the stages of the life span, complete the worksheet below.

Use the textbook to identify the specific needs of each stage.

Page updated

Report abuse