Briefly discuss the stages of the lifespan. Choose one stage and discuss the needs of a person at this stage.

Essay by k-laHigh School, 12th gradeB-, July 2004

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*Briefly discuss the stages of the lifespan, 1 paragraph for each stage. Choose 1 and discuss the needs of a person at this stage.

Lifespan refers to human growth and development, beginning at conception and progressing until death. There are seven stages within the lifespan process consisting of conception, infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood and the aged. Individuals will move at their own pace through these stages depending on what influences are impacting their growth and development. Such influences include nourishment, environment, heredity, sleep, religion, culture, education and socialisation.

The prime stage, and beginning of life, is conception. This is the fertilisation of male sperm and female ovum. The pregnant mother must lead a healthy lifestyle as what she eats, drinks, how much she exercises and her overall quality of life have a major impact on the growing foetus in her womb. Regular medical checks are extremely beneficial to ensure the development of the baby as well as the health of the mother, and to identify any potential problems.

The expectant mother should maintain a well balanced diet rich in nutrients, as well as abstain from alcohol and cigarettes. It is equally important prior to conception that both parents lead a healthy lifestyle as many aspects may infect the sperm prior to fertilisation, and medical disorders may be passed to the child.

Once the child is born they have entered the second stage of the lifespan, infancy. Infancy lasts from birth to approximately two years of age and is a time of rapid growth and development. During this time a child will learn to walk, to take solid foods, to distinguish between right and wrong and develop a conscience, and form simple concepts of social and physical reality. Children are solely dependent on their parents during this...