Lifespan development is a big part of studying how people grow and change from the moment they're conceived until they pass away. We can break down human development into different stages, which are:
Prenatal Stage: This stage starts when a baby is conceived and lasts until they are born, usually after about 40 weeks. It’s important to note that around 10% of pregnancies end in miscarriage before the 20-week mark.
Infancy: This stage lasts from birth to about 2 years old. Babies go through many quick changes physically, mentally, and emotionally. On average, newborns in the U.S. weigh about 7.5 pounds, and by 5 months, many have doubled their weight.
Early Childhood: From ages 2 to 6, children build basic skills in speaking and interacting with others. By age 5, about 90% of a child's brain development has already happened.
Middle Childhood: This stage includes kids from 6 to 11 years old. During these years, children continue to grow their thinking and social skills. On average, they gain about 6-8 pounds and grow around 2 inches each year.
Adolescence: Between the ages of 12 and 18, teenagers go through major changes because of hormones. They become physically mature and start figuring out their identities. The CDC says that about 20% of teens in the U.S. deal with mental health issues.
Early Adulthood: This stage covers ages 19 to 40. Young adults often seek to become independent and may go to college or start their careers. More than 70% of adults in this group have finished high school.
Middle Adulthood: From ages 40 to 65, people often experience changes in their jobs and face the reality of getting older. About 10,000 Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) retire every day.
Late Adulthood: This final stage begins at 65 years old and goes until death. During this time, people focus more on their health, reflect on their lives, and think about their legacy. By 2030, it's expected that 20% of the U.S. population will be over 65 years old.
These stages help us understand how human development is organized and show why each period is important for shaping people's lives and behaviors throughout their entire life.
Lifespan development is a big part of studying how people grow and change from the moment they're conceived until they pass away. We can break down human development into different stages, which are:
Prenatal Stage: This stage starts when a baby is conceived and lasts until they are born, usually after about 40 weeks. It’s important to note that around 10% of pregnancies end in miscarriage before the 20-week mark.
Infancy: This stage lasts from birth to about 2 years old. Babies go through many quick changes physically, mentally, and emotionally. On average, newborns in the U.S. weigh about 7.5 pounds, and by 5 months, many have doubled their weight.
Early Childhood: From ages 2 to 6, children build basic skills in speaking and interacting with others. By age 5, about 90% of a child's brain development has already happened.
Middle Childhood: This stage includes kids from 6 to 11 years old. During these years, children continue to grow their thinking and social skills. On average, they gain about 6-8 pounds and grow around 2 inches each year.
Adolescence: Between the ages of 12 and 18, teenagers go through major changes because of hormones. They become physically mature and start figuring out their identities. The CDC says that about 20% of teens in the U.S. deal with mental health issues.
Early Adulthood: This stage covers ages 19 to 40. Young adults often seek to become independent and may go to college or start their careers. More than 70% of adults in this group have finished high school.
Middle Adulthood: From ages 40 to 65, people often experience changes in their jobs and face the reality of getting older. About 10,000 Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) retire every day.
Late Adulthood: This final stage begins at 65 years old and goes until death. During this time, people focus more on their health, reflect on their lives, and think about their legacy. By 2030, it's expected that 20% of the U.S. population will be over 65 years old.
These stages help us understand how human development is organized and show why each period is important for shaping people's lives and behaviors throughout their entire life.