In the Human Growth and Development core area, middle adulthood (approximately 40–65) is commonly associated with life review, reappraisal, and concerns about time and life goals. Theories such as Erikson’s generativity vs. stagnation and life-span models emphasize:

Awareness that time is finite,

Reflection on accomplishments vs. unfulfilled goals,

A possible sense that some earlier aspirations may no longer be realistic or attainable.

This makes Option A consistent with core developmental theory for this age range.

Option B is inaccurate because men and women often experience different developmental stressors, roles, and expectations (e.g., caregiving, menopause, occupational shifts).

Option C overgeneralizes; while peer deaths may trigger grief and reflection, severe distress and heightened spirituality are not universal or predicted outcomes.

Option D is not characteristic specifically of ages 40–65; significant memory decline is more commonly associated with older adulthood, and even then, it tends to be more complex than “short-term down, long-term up.”

Therefore, A best reflects what human development theory tells us about midlife adults.