What do the stages of growth and development experienced by an individual from birth to death refer to?

The stages of growth and development that an individual experiences from birth to death are referred to as life stages. This term encompasses the various distinct periods in a person's life characterized by specific physical, emotional, and social changes.

As individuals progress through life stages, they undergo significant transformations, including infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age, each with unique developmental milestones. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing age-appropriate behaviors, needs, and challenges, which is essential in fields such as healthcare, education, and social work.

The term "life expectancy" focuses on the average expected lifespan of individuals in a population, rather than the individual growth and development process. "Life cycle" can imply a broader concept that includes not just human development but also the biological processes in various organisms, and "life transitions" typically refer to specific changes or events (like moving out, marriage, retirement) within those life stages rather than the stages themselves. Hence, life stages is the most accurate term to describe the comprehensive progression of growth and development.