Physical development across the human lifespan

Physical development across the human lifespan

Infancy (0-2 Years)

• At birth, reflexes such as grasping and rooting are present.
• Rapid physical growth and development occur, including gross motor skills such as crawling and walking.
• Fine motor skills begin to develop, like picking up objects between the thumb and finger.
• By two years, most children have developed a set of primary, or ‘baby,’ teeth.

Early Childhood (2-8 Years)

• Physical growth is more gradual during this stage but remains steady.
• Fine motor skills improve. Children can hold pencils, colour, and eventually learn to write.
• Gross motor skills develop, including the ability to run, jump, and climb.
• Generally, all primary teeth have fully emerged by this stage.

Adolescence (9-18 Years)

• Puberty begins, leading to reproductive maturity and significant changes in height and weight.
• Secondary sexual characteristics, such as menstrual cycles in girls and vocal deepening in boys, appear.
• There may be substantial growth spurts, especially in early adolescence.

Adulthood (19-65 Years)

• Physical development stabilises, and adults maintain capabilities for many years.
• Changes largely related to ageing, such as wrinkles or greying hair, can start to appear.
• For women, menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45-55 years, ending fertility.
• Gradual loss of sensory acuity may begin, such as slight hard of hearing or needing glasses for reading.

Old Age (65+ Years)

• Continued ageing affects physical abilities. Strength, stamina, and sensory acuity often decline.
• Increased risk of health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or dementia.
• Bone density reduces leading to a risk of fractures.
• Mobility can be affected by these changes, potentially requiring aids like hearing aids, glasses, or walking aids.