Life cycle transitions

There are key points in life where transitions occur. These are sometimes known as life cycle transitions. They refer to a time of change and movement from one life stage to another, such as moving out of home, retiring, or starting a family. They do not occur at specific ages, although they are often at approximately the same age for many people. Support workers need to know about life cycle transitions, as they will often affect the people with whom they work.

Understanding and being able to plan ahead for a life cycle transition means you can offer appropriate support and guidance at these times, if it is required. Some examples of life cycle transitions include attending school, leaving school, becoming an adolescent, becoming an adult, beginning work or study, finding a partner, having children or deciding not to have them, reaching middle age, retiring from work, changing life direction, becoming elderly and planning for end of life.

There are many positives and negatives associated with life cycle transitions. These include the following.