The life

stages
By Ariel Kearney
The prenatal stage
The prenatal stage begins when a sperm penetrates an egg in a process known as
fertilization, resulting in the formation of one complete cell known as a zygote. The
prenatal stage, which lasts until birth, is distinguished by the development of the
body's organs and structures, as well as significant growth.
During the prenatal stage there are 3 developmental stages called:
Germinal Stage: Conception occurs when sperm and egg cells combine in one of the two
fallopian tubes. A fertilized egg is referred to as a zygote. The single-celled zygote begins its
journey down the fallopian tube to the uterus just a few hours after conception.
Embryonic Stage: The mass of cells is now known as an embryo at this point. The embryonic
period begins at the beginning of the third week after conception, when the mass of cells
distinguishes itself as a human. The embryonic stage is critical in the development of the brain.
The neural tube develops four weeks after conception. This tube will eventually develop into the
central nervous system, which will include the spinal cord and brain.
Fetal Stage: When cell differentiation is nearly complete, the embryo advances to the next
stage and is referred to as a fetus. The fetal period of prenatal development is associated with
more significant changes in the brain. This stage of development begins in the ninth week and
lasts until the baby is born. This stage is characterized by remarkable change and growth.
 Infancy Stage
As with most other stages of life, there is some disagreement about when
infancy ends. Everyone agrees that it begins at birth, but when does the
infant become a child? Historically, infancy was thought to last until the
child learned to speak. However, because the age at which infants begin
speaking varies greatly, many organizations and professionals in this field
believe that this stage ends with the second birthday (approximately).
As a result, the second birthday will also be used to mark the end of the
infancy period. Infancy is a time of rapid growth and numerous changes. A
newborn baby is obviously not the same as a two-year-old.
By the age of two, an infant has developed motor skills and can walk, use
simple words, recognize people they know, play social games, and throw
tantrums when they do not get what they want. Many of the
developmental milestones that the infant achieves will have an impact on
how they develop later in life.
 Early childhood
Early childhood begins at the end of
infancy and lasts until the age of six.
This stage is distinguished by slow
and steady growth and the
acquisition of numerous new skills.
The child develops social skills that
will enable them to interact with
others. They will make friends, be
able to eat with adults at the table,
and become toilet trained during this
stage.
 Late Childhood
Late childhood begins with the sixth birthday and ends with the
twelfth birthday. Late childhood, like early childhood, is
distinguished by slow and steady growth. Many physical, social,
emotional, and intellectual changes occur as the child progresses
through this stage, many of which are influenced by primary
schooling. These include improving reading and writing skills, long-
term memory development, understanding gender stereotypes,
and motor skill development.
 YOUTH STAGE
Over the last century, the youth stage of life has steadily increased in
length. This is because puberty is beginning earlier, and young people
are taking longer to gain independence and maturity in other areas of
their lives. As a result, the youth stage of life is perhaps the most
difficult to define. We will assume that youth begins at the age of 12
and lasts until the age of 18, though this may vary depending on the
research used. For many Australian youth, the secondary school years
are a marker of this stage of their lives. Rapid growth, increased
independence, and sexual maturity characterize the youth stage.
 Young adults
Early adulthood begins at the age of 18 and ends at the age of 40. Physically, this stage
is distinguished by the body reaching its physical peak around the ages of 25–30,
followed by a steady decline in body systems. Some growth may continue in early
adulthood, but all stages of adulthood are essentially periods of maintenance and
repair, as opposed to the periods of growth experienced in earlier stages of life.
 Middle adulthood
Middle adulthood begins at the age of 40 and lasts until the age of 65.
The events that take place during this time period differ from culture to
culture and from person to person. Some of the more common
characteristics of this stage of life include stability in work and
relationships, continued development of identity, including the
maturation of values and beliefs, financial security, and physical signs of
ageing and, for women, menopause.
Children may gain independence and leave home during this stage,
providing the parent with a new sense of freedom. This can sometimes
lead to feelings of loss or loneliness, a condition known as "empty nest
syndrome." Many people in their middle adulthood will have the joy of
becoming grandparents for the first time, though this can happen in late
adulthood as well.
 Late adulthood.
Late adulthood, the final stage of life, begins at the age of 65 and lasts until death.
This period is distinguished by a change in lifestyle brought about by retirement and
financial security (for most). It may entail increased participation in volunteer work
and leisure activities such as golf. Many elderly people may also have to deal with
the grief that comes with the death of a friend or spouse. Their living arrangements
may also change, posing new challenges and opportunities for their health,
happiness, and development.