Growth and development

Definitions & Key takeaways

In humans, growth and development are processes that start from the moment we're conceived and continue throughout our lives. Growth refers to the physical changes that involve an increase in the body's weight and height, and a change in the body's appearance and functioning. On the other hand, development is about the change in psychological functional ability, involving mental, emotional, and social functions. The rate of growth varies from person to person. It's influenced by various factors, including genetics, nutrition, environment, and health.

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Intro0:00–0:22

Growth involves physical changes in height and weight and appearance of the body, while development refers to a change in functional ability, such as cognitive, motor, and psychological aspects of the individual.

The Main Principles of Growth and Development0:22–1:34

Okay, growth and development start from the time of conception and progress until a person dies. The progress happens in several stages, and each one of them has its characteristics and particular milestones that must be completed before moving to the next one.
Milestones of earlier stages are simpler compared to those of the later stages. For example, crawling is achieved before walking because it requires less coordination and effort.
This growth and development happens in a cephalocaudal fashion, meaning it starts at the head and moves downwards. An example would be an infant first learns to hold their head up before learning to sit.
Another pattern is proximodistal meaning from the center of the body outwards. An example is that control of the arms develops before control of the fingers.
It’s also important to note that growth and development occur at different rates in different individuals, which is why you will find people reaching the same milestones at different times.
For example, one child may walk at 8 months and speak, while a sibling didn’t walk until the age of 14 months.Now, let’s have a look at the major stages of growth and development that humans go through during their lifespan.

Infancy1:34–2:10

The stage that goes from birth to 1 year of age is called infancy. Infancy is a very fast stage in which a person grows up quickly and accomplishes new milestones on a monthly basis.
Generally, by the first year of age, the newborn has tripled their birth weight, started eating solid foods, and started to walk.
Social skills also develop remarkably during the first year. An infant learns to smile, recognize parents and siblings, and say simple words.
The next stage goes from year 1 to year 3 of age and is called toddlerhood. Children in this stage are called toddlers.

Toddlerhood 2:10–2:54

During this stage, there’s remarkable development of the muscular and nervous systems, which enables a child to perform activities requiring more physical coordination, such as running, jumping, climbing, and pedaling a tricycle.
In addition, toddlers become capable of controlling the bowels and the bladder, making it a good time for toilet training.
Verbal communication also improves, and toddlers can use short, complete sentences when speaking. Toddlers will start developing some sense of independence from their caretakers, so they might have trouble following rules.The next stage goes through age 3 to 5 years, and it’s the preschool-age.

Preschool-Age2:54–3:21

During this time, physical coordination improves even more, and as a result, a preschooler can perform activities like getting dressed and tying shoes without help.
Also, imagination develops during this stage, which enables preschoolers to create detailed play stories and start asking many questions.
In addition, preschoolers become aware of gender differences.The next stage starts at the age of 5 and ends around the age of 10 to 12 years; it’s called the school-age stage.

School-Age 3:21–3:50

During this stage, children finetune their motor skills, thus becoming able to write and draw. Intellectual capacity also develops more during the school-age, which enables children to learn basic sciences and maths.
Socially, children in this stage become more obedient to the rules of society and morals and are more concerned about being right or wrong.Now, after the school-age, it’s time for adolescence.

Adolescence3:50–4:36

This stage starts with the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This happens generally at the age of 10 to 14 years in girls and 12 to 16 years in boys, and it ends at the age of 18 years for both genders.
Adolescence marks a period of transition between childhood and adulthood, and it is characterized by profound physical, mental, and physiological changes.
During adolescence, individuals reach maximum height, start to learn how to behave as adults, learn to drive, and make plans for their future.
Sometimes adolescence can be a period of psychological turmoil, characterized by questioning the morals of society and engaging in risky behaviors, such as taking illegal drugs.

Young Adulthood4:36–4:59

Okay, after adolescence is over, people become adults. Adulthood is divided into several stages; between 18 and 40 years is young adulthood.
Socially, young adults generally attain several accomplishments, such as completing one’s education, starting a career, getting married, and having children.

Middle Adulthood4:59–5:29

As people get into their 40s, they enter the stage of middle adulthood, which goes until the age of 65 years. During this stage, people start showing signs of aging, such as wrinkles, grey hair, and females enter menopause.
This is the stage that most people start to develop chronic illnesses, like hypertension and diabetes. Socially, by the end of middle adulthood, people have generally attained the height of their careers and productivity.
Some may even become grandparents.After 65 years of age until the age of 75, people enter later adulthood. During this stage, physical weakness and chronic illnesses can become more apparent, and some senses, such as hearing and sight, can decrease.

Later Adulthood5:29–5:57

Some people in middle and later adulthood are part of the so-called “sandwich generation,” where they are responsible for taking care of both their own children and their elderly parents; this could put a huge financial and psychological burden on them.Finally, at the age of 75 and beyond comes the last stage, called older adulthood.

Older Adulthood5:57–6:22

This is a stage characterized by significant decrease in physical strength. During older adulthood, people usually have to cope with being less independent due to health and physical limitations.
Some people, however, continue to be fulfilled by sharing their long-years’ wisdom with the younger generation.All right, as a quick recap...

Recap6:22–6:58

Growth is the increase in body height and weight accompanied by changes in the body appearance and functioning, while development refers to the psychological aspect that involves mental, emotional, and social functions.
Growth and development occurs continuously throughout a person’s life span, and each stage has its specific characteristics and milestones.
These stages are infancy, toddlerhood, preschool-age, school-age, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, later adulthood, and finally, older adulthood.