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Infancy
From birth to 1 year old
- First smile, cooing, and babbling
- Rolling over, sitting up, crawling
- First steps
- Recognizing primary caregivers
- Developing attachment
- Learning object permanence -
Early Childhood
From 1 to 6 years old
- Walking, running, climbing, improving coordination with coloring and building blocks
- Playing with other kids and learning to express emotions
- Language acquisition and learning basic concepts such as numbers, colors, shapes and alphabet -
Late Childhood
From 6 to 12 years old
- Increase in strength and endurance
- Fine motor skills development such as writing and drawing
- Developing a sense of self-identity
- Beginning to understand more complex emotions such as jealousy and pride
- Starting to understand cause and effect
- Reading, writing and basic arithmetic -
Adolescent
From 12 to 18 years old
- Puberty and physical changes (growth spurts, development of sexual characteristics)
- Increased physical coordination and strength
- Figuring out who you are and your self concept
- Romantic relationships and emotional firsts (crushes, and heartbreaks)
- Development of abstract thinking
- Increased ability for critical thinking and problem solving -
Early Adulthood
From 19 to 40 years old
- Peak physical health and fitness (usually around the early 20s)
- Slower changes to physical health and appearance as you approach 30.
- Establishing intimate relationships (dating, partnerships, marriage).
- Career beginnings and early professional life.
- Independence from parents (financial, emotional)
- Further development of career and personal goals.
- Balancing multiple roles (e.g., work, social life, family). -
Middle Adulthood
from 40 to 65 years old
- Physical decline (e.g., changes in metabolism, signs of aging, hearing or vision changes)
- Menopause (for women) and related physical and hormonal changes
- Midlife crisis or reflection on life achievements.
- Parenting children through adolescence, or becoming "empty-nesters."
- Career stability or transitions (e.g., promotions, career shifts, or starting a business)
- Intellectual growth often remains strong (lifelong learning)
- Reevaluation of life goals and legacy -
Late adulthood
from 65-65+
- Gradual decline in physical health (e.g., mobility, strength).
- Possible chronic health issues, but also greater awareness of health and wellness.
- Retirement and finding new ways to spend time.
- Coping with loss (friends, family, spouses).
- Reflecting on life and achievements (Erikson's stage of Integrity vs. Despair)
- Slower processing speed but vast experience-based wisdom.
- Some cognitive decline (e.g., memory issues, slower learning) or health issues (e.g., Alzheimer’s)