The Different Life Stages People Pass Through During the Life Course

Prenatal Development (Conception to Birth)

Starts at conception when the sperm fertilises the egg to form a single cell.
The single cell divides into multiple cells, grows and eventually forms a baby.
The process takes approximately nine months and is divided into three trimesters.
Key stages include cell multiplication, embryonic stage, and foetal stage.
During the embryonic stage, vital organs and primary body systems begin to form.
The foetal stage includes significant growth and development of the organism.

This stage involves rapid physical growth and development.
Milestones include walking, speaking and developing a sense of self, emotions, and social relationships.
First steps in independent movement happen during this stage with key milestones of crawling, standing and walking.
Speech development begins, ranging from cooing, babbling, first words to short sentences.

Physical growth continues at a slower rate compared to early childhood.
Developing further cognitive, emotional and social skills.
Social interactions widen outside of the family circle, often centred around school and peers.
Milestones include improving reading and mathematical skills, understanding more complex ideas, developing friendships, and having a more defined sense of self.

This stage is marked by puberty where physical changes occur leading to sexual maturity.
Higher complex cognitive tasks are possible due to continued brain development.
Emotional and social development involves forming an identity separate from parents, understanding complex emotions and handling more mature relationships.
Other significant elements include growing independence and starting to make life-defining choices about future careers or paths.

Generally, people reach their physical peak in early adulthood.
This phase often involves choosing a career, selecting a partner, and starting a family.
Important milestones could include going to university, starting a job, getting married, or having children.

Typically a period of stability in relationships, career and family life.
Some individuals may experience the “midlife crisis”, reassessing their achievements and setting new goals.
As individuals age, they may experience physical changes such as menopause or decreased strength and stamina.
Nurturing relationships with aging parents, parenting adolescents or young adults may be key aspects of this stage.

Often marked by retirement, this phase may come with immense changes in lifestyle.
Physical decline generally continues; greater risk of disease or disability.
Includes reflection on life lived, coming to terms with mortality.
Important social and emotional aspects include dealing with loss, maintaining social connections, living with decreased independence.