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Ozean Journal of Social Sciences 2(3), 2009organ systems, too, declines and an increasing number of people experience difficulties with digestion. It should bestated that individual differences exist in the rate at which such changes occur. While some persons in their fortiesand fifties closely match common stereotypes concerning middle age, others retain much of their youthfulappearance and vigour during this period of life.Among the most dramatic changes occurring during middle adulthood is the climacteric – a period of several yearsduring which the functioning of the reproductive system and various aspects of sexual activity change greatly.Although both sexes experience the climacteric, its effects are more obvious for females, most of who experiencemenopause cessation of the menstrual cycle in their late forties or early fifties. During menopause the ovaries stopproducing estrogens and many changes in the reproductive system occur’ thinning of the vaginal walls, reducedsecretion of fluids that lubricate the vagina, and so on (Baron, 2008).Among men the climacteric involves reduced secretion of testosterone and reduced functioning of the prostrategland, which plays a role in semen formation. In many men the prostrate gland becomes enlarged, and this mayinterfere not only with sexual functioning but also with urination. Men often experience reduced sexual drive at thistime of life; but although sperm production decreases, many can still father children.The physical changes of middle adulthood become more pronounced in late adulthood. Visual sharpness diminishesand adaptation to changes in light level slows. Muscle strength, reaction time and stamina also diminish noticeably,as do hearing, distance perception and the sense of smell (Myers, 2004). The body’s disease fighting immunesystem weakens, making the elderly more susceptible to life-threatening ailments such as cancer and pneumonia.Some adults do, unfortunately, suffer a substantial loss of brain cells. A series of small strokes, a brain tumor, oralcoholism can progressively damage the brain, causing that mental erosion call dementia (Myers, 2004)In fact, growing evidence suggests that while we cannot stop the clock of ageing altogether, we can slow it downappreciably. In other words, we can achieve successful ageing - experience minimal physiological losses in manyfunctions when compared to younger persons (Myers, 2004). This can be achieved through physical exercise,personal nutrition and effective stress management.CONCLUSIONWe have examined the different stages of physical and sexual development from conception to adulthood and theattendant problems associated with the various stages. For us to live successfully in those stages of life, we mustadopt a good pattern of lifestyle. When we indulge in unwholesome practices such as smoking, drinking, drug abuseand indiscriminate sexual habits, we may predispose our bodies to infection of deadly diseases. One of such may bethe monster called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).171