PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Growth Patterns
This stage has its physical markings, but they come about slowly, almost sneakily. Body hair may increase; scalp hair may decrease. But more importantly, there are internal changes that can have critical effects. As the body becomes more "efficient" (not needing to produce extra hormones, cells, and energy for growth), there is a natural concurrent lowering of appetite. If this is not respected, the body will be given more food than it needs, and overweight and sluggishness will ensue. Similarly, with the increased efficiency, the individual has (potentially) more stamina than ever, and this can be maintained all through this stage. This is a "talk" period of life, active and achieving, but there needs to be care that the talk is matched with enough muscle movement and emotional equilibrium to stay healthy.
Nutrition
What applies to young people also applies to adults. They can abuse their sense of self-responsibility and load up on whatever they please, or they can let the Creative Process work here as well, guiding them to a sense of fitness of quantity and quality. As mentioned above, a heightened sensitivity is needed, for the metabolism is changing -- actually becoming more efficient -- and food intake should be adjusted accordingly.
If wise eating habits were not followed earlier in life, the body may start giving its owner messages of dis-ease. Heartburn, ulcers, colitis, high blood pressure -- all these and more are at least partially caused by poor diet and poor digestion. Because of this, many adults have turned to intestinal cleansing to restore balance to their systems. Still, nothing beats prevention, which includes nourishing food, properly prepared and eaten with a light and thankful spirit.
PSYCHO-SOCIAL & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Developmental Urges & Tasks
As one moves into their thirties, a more consistent lifestyle and personality has formed. There is less searching and more a sense of achieving. This is a perfect setting for the urge toward what Erikson called generativity, or the spirit of the new earth. In this mode, the individual is ready to "spread wings" and "conquer the world." However, patience is needed at this time. There has been much preparation, and it seems that all the learning is over and it must be time to get on with great things. But learning is not over. Patience brings a fuller sense of life purpose, one's own and in partnership with a spouse. Patience is also needed to see each creative process through to completion.
The midlife crisis is the perfect example of what happens when patience is not in place. Here the adult runs out on the Creative Process, dissatisfied with how things seem to be working out. This leads to the stagnation that Erikson noted in neurotic adults. A truly mature person at this stage has the willingness to persevere, to iron out rough spots, and to be flexible rather than frustrated and disappointed. Greener pastures do not exist. Fulfillment starts with accepting and loving circumstances just as they are.
Sense Development
Having trained and incorporated the fundamental and fine sensing mechanisms, the mature adult is in position to actively "make it" in the world. This individual can and does sense what is fitting, then acts upon that sense. Integrity is expressed, rather than preferences. The main sense being developed now is finesse -- not a phony sophistication, but a concern to make finer and finer distinctions and to create with more and more accuracy.
With years of experience comes the ability to sense larger and longer creative cycles. This is extremely helpful when watching one's child grow up or reviewing one's career. All the stages and phases and transitions can be seen as parts of a much larger drama, and this kind of perspective can give the mature adult the beginnings of wisdom, as well as a more relaxed approach to all the achieving that seems to be needed.
Character Development
The character of a mature adult is marked by relaxation and potency. The individual at this stage, fully integrated with the Creative Process (no longer "proving" it), exhibits a comfort with the environment, regardless of who or what inhabits it. Family life is stable yet dynamic. Occupational life is fulfilling and expansive. There is comfort with people of all ages and all positions: there is no feeling of arrogance around the less mature and no sense of awkwardness around the more substantial. There is only proper respect for all.
Being at ease in the process, where there is no sense of need or want, one has space in consciousness to discern what is fitting for the sake of the entire outworking, not just to benefit oneself. This is not a mental activity so much as it is a knowing that comes from experience in letting the Creative Process work all the way to fulfillment. Once fittingness is perceived, action is automatic, without excuse or rationalization. However, there would naturally be a sense of coordination with others, for a mature adult would not be arbitrary or insensitive. Thus it is reasonable to expect this adult to be an effective communicator regarding the Creative Process. Spouses, colleagues, superiors, and friends would all be included, as appropriate.
People often speak about how flexible little children are, how they seem to bounce both literally and figuratively. Then they will speak about how rigid adults are. Yet if you observe young children, and even teenagers, you will see that they are the rigid ones. Young people have limited perspective and thought processes, so they set up rigid expectations. When those expectations are not met, emotional trauma ensues. It may be that children need their "rubber" bones to buffer them from their own headstrong impacts against life's realities. On the other hand, truly mature adults know how to change plans, how to be diplomatic, and how to be appropriate in the social context. They are the ones who are really flexible, provided they have learned to be in harmony with the Creative Process. It is this ability to be flexible yet still effective that marks the adult who is gaining wisdom and stature.
In our present society, few adults have come through previous life stages fully integrated in character formation. Neuroses are prevalent, and many are considered acceptable -- "battle scars" in the growing up and coping process. But many adults are not willing to live with such scars and gaps in personality. Note the many "self improvement" books and courses on the market. From Werner Erhard's est training to Leo Buscaglia's lectures on affection, adults are seeking to take care of what has been called "unfinished business." This is the best time of life to do this, for now there can be a larger perspective than in young adulthood, and there is more of a sense of what damage has been caused by interupted cycles. Deep change is possible because there is enough maturity now to sense how much one is "straight-jacketed" by old patterns of attitude and behavior. While all this is commendable and sometimes even essential for full character development, middle adults need to beware of becoming self-improvement "junkies," becoming so enamored with healing personal wounds that they neglect their own responsibility to steward creative rhythms at home and work.
Educational Approach
Educationally, mature adults need skills for administrating larger creative cycles. Such individuals find themselves with increasing responsibilities in all areas of their lives, and they are often called upon to oversee, supervise, or create things and events. Some additional formal instruction may be needed, especially if they are outside one's specialized training or experience. However, much of the learning at this stage can be self-taught, since a mature adult is attuned with the Creative Process well enough to grasp the way the world works, even in unfamiliar situations. Nothing is ever overwhelming. Indeed, mastery in the Creative Process brings a sense of world governance -- not in a political sense, but in the sense of recognizing one's role as steward.
SOCIALIZATION & GUIDANCE PROCESSES
Parenting Patterns
When the offspring reaches full adulthood, parents can know the fullness of love -- a sense of completion of the parenting cycle, with affection and pride for the "finished product." They feel fellowship with this grown friend who is now fully functioning with purpose and honor. Their bond is more than familial: it is partnership grounded in a shared sense of responsibility for mature action, regardless of differences in occupations or interests.
Responsibility
Moving out of the self-absorbed twenties, the individual comes to recognize an ability and willingness to be responsible for more than just personal activity. Managing a family, a business, or any other endeavor is much easier now. At a stage beyond self-responsibility, the individual senses the urge to be of service to others. Thus begins a long career of offering one's talents and energies into the social whole. Fulfillment comes not so much in position or money as in knowing that a job was done with integrity, creativity, and initiative.
Society and Community Involvement
The support network and the middle adult are mutually nourishing during this stage. Maturity has brought the ability to be of service, so those who offer support also receive support by this individual. Family, friends, community, and profession are all included in the world this adult encompasses. Sometimes it may seem like a lot to juggle, but priorities are maintained and everyone receives the attention and care that is needed. As this individual is closely attuned to the Creative Process, there is a natural sensitivity to where attention must be given in each moment.