Final answer:
Late adulthood begins at age 65, marking an age where retirement and reflection are common, alongside an increased risk of serious health issues and cognitive decline.
The older adult population in the U.S. is divided into young-old, middle-old, and old-old, with the young-old experiencing better health and financial stability.
Middle adulthood precedes late adulthood and is associated with career, family, and the onset of visible aging signs and health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Late adulthood is generally considered to begin at age 65. This life stage continues until death. It is characterized by retirement, reflection on life, and often increased focus on family aspects such as grandchildren.
During this period, individuals may experience decreased social contact, loneliness, and ageism. Health-wise, physical declines that begin in middle adulthood continue and the risk of serious illnesses like cancer increases.
Moreover, cognitive impairment, including severe disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, becomes more prevalent in old age.
In the United States, the older adult population is segmented into three groups: the young-old (ages approximately 65 to 74), the middle-old (ages 75 to 84), and the old-old (over age 85).
The young-old are often healthier, happier, and financially better off than in previous generations, partly due to wider availability of resources for preparing for aging.
Contrasting late adulthood, middle adulthood extends from approximately the mid-30s to the mid-60s.
This stage typically involves career achievements and family raising, and it's when visible signs of aging appear and certain health concerns like heart disease and diabetes become more prevalent.