Health changes through life
A life stage is a long period of life with its own changes. We can split life into childhood (0 to 9 years), adolescence (10 to 19), adulthood (20 to about 64) and older age (65 and above). Good health in one stage helps in the next one. A well-fed child grows into a stronger teen, and a fit adult stays active for longer in old age.
Adolescence and health
Adolescence is the bridge between child and adult. Puberty starts when chemical messengers called hormones tell the body to change. Height jumps (the growth spurt), the voice deepens in boys, periods begin in girls, and the brain changes too, so moods can swing.
- Food: iron (leafy greens, beans, jaggery), calcium (milk, ragi) and enough calories.
- Sleep: 8 to 10 hours.
- Mind: talk to a parent, teacher or counsellor about stress and peer pressure. Say no to tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
- Body care: daily bath, clean clothes, and clean cloth or pads during periods.
Pregnancy and family planning
Family planning means a couple decides together when to have a child and how many. A gap of at least 2 years between babies lets the mother recover. Doctors and health centres give advice and safe methods.
Pregnancy lasts about 9 months (40 weeks). During this time:
- Go for regular antenatal check-ups (weight, blood pressure, blood test, scans).
- Eat extra healthy food. Take iron-folic acid tablets as advised. Get the tetanus vaccine.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol. Take no medicine without asking a doctor.
- Plan birth in a hospital or with a trained helper. Know the danger signs: heavy bleeding, severe headache, swollen face, no baby movement.
Ageing and health
Ageing is the slow change in the body over many years. After about 30 years, muscles and bones slowly weaken, eyesight and hearing fade, and memory can slow. Illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes and weak bones become more common.
Healthy ageing is helped by:
- Moving daily: walking, yoga, light strength work (about 150 minutes a week).
- Food: protein, calcium and vitamin D, plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- Check-ups and vaccines (flu, pneumonia), and eye and hearing tests.
- Safety at home: no slippery floors, good light, handrails, to prevent falls.
- Company: family, friends and hobbies keep the mind happy and sharp.
Try it
1) In the 3D, go to the last step. Set age to 80. Move healthy habits from 0 to 100 and watch the strength bar. 2) At home, ask a grandparent what helped them stay strong. 3) Write one health rule for each of the four stages and share it with your class.
Key formulas and definitions
- Stages: childhood 0-9, adolescence 10-19, adulthood 20-64, older age 65+
- Key terms: puberty, hormone, growth spurt, family planning, antenatal care, ageing
- Pregnancy lasts about 9 months (40 weeks)
- Teen sleep: 8 to 10 hours; adult activity: about 150 minutes a week
Worked examples
1. A 14-year-old is growing fast and feels tired. Name two things that can help.
Iron-rich food (greens, beans) and 8 to 10 hours of sleep. If tiredness stays, see a doctor to check for anaemia.
2. A couple wants a baby in two years. What three steps can they take?
Have a health check-up, eat folic-acid rich food, and plan a gap of at least 2 years after the previous baby.
3. Why are regular antenatal check-ups important?
They find problems early, such as high blood pressure or anaemia, so the mother and baby can be treated before it is serious.
4. A 70-year-old wants to stay strong. Give four habits.
Walk or do yoga every day, eat protein, calcium and vitamin D, get regular check-ups, and meet friends and family.
5. Using the 3D model: strength at age 80 with 0% habits is about 45. With 100% habits it is about 75. How many points more is that?
75 - 45 = 30 points more. Healthy habits protect strength.
6. Why is the gap between two babies important for the mother?
Pregnancy and feeding use a lot of iron, calcium and energy. A gap of 2 or more years gives the mother time to rebuild her body.
Common mistakes
- Thinking only old people need to care about health. Habits made in teen years last for life.
- Believing that pregnant women should eat for two. They need extra healthy food, not double.
- Thinking weak bones and muscles in old age cannot be slowed. Exercise and food really help.
- Taking medicine in pregnancy without asking a doctor, because some medicines can harm the baby.