Whoa, Scientists Are Arguing That "Adolescence" Should Last Until Age 24
Your 24-year-old cousin who still lives in your aunt's basement? Looks like he's not a late bloomer after all.
If a group of scientists get their way, young adults will officially be considered adolescents until long after they've graduated college. In a recent paper published in The Lancet: Child & Adolescent Health, seven experts argue that we should shift our definition from 10 to 19 years old to 10 to 24 years old.
Why? Over the past century, it's taken a longer time for kiddos to transition from childhood to adulthood. Twenty-somethings are moving out of their parents' houses, finishing school, getting married and starting families later.
The scientists argue that raising the age cap so it's more inclusive will be a good thing when it comes to passing new laws and social policies (like health benefits, people). In the words of the lead author, professor Susan Sawyer, "Let's make adolescents visible." Amen, Susan.
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