POLL: When Does Adulthood Really Begin?
Researchers at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia recently expanded the age range of adolescence. Instead of beginning at 13 or 14, scientists say the “awkward stage” now begins at age 10 and lasts until we’re 24.
The part about adolescence beginning at 10 is not surprising. We can thank modern nutrition and healthcare for that. But the idea that humans are still developing until their mid-20s might raise some questions. Biological studies prove that the brain continues to mature past the age of 20, but that doesn’t change the fact that we can legally drive at 16, vote and serve in the military at 18, and drink alcohol at 21.
I have long felt that most people act like kids until they’re about 25, yours truly included. When do you think adulthood really begins?
