Final answer:
Middle adulthood lasts from the mid-30s to the mid-60s and is a stage characterized by raising a family and striving for career goals. It requires individuals to navigate the social task of generativity versus stagnation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Middle adulthood lasts from about the mid-30s to the mid-60s. During this stage, many adults raise a family and strive to achieve career goals. It is a time when physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and gray hair, become more noticeable. In addition, there may be a decline in fertility, some cognitive loss, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
The transition to middle adulthood requires individuals to navigate the social task of generativity versus stagnation. Generativity involves finding purpose in life's work and contributing to the development of others through activities like volunteering, mentoring, and raising children. Failing to master this task can lead to stagnation, characterized by a lack of connection with others and disinterest in productivity and self-improvement.