Understanding Adulthood
Defining Adulthood

In Australia adulthood is defined from 18
years of age onwards and is often seen as
the time when a person has ‘grown up’, or
matured emotionally and socially.

Adulthood is the final and longest stage of
the lifespan, however physical, social,
emotional and intellectual changes in
health development still occur.
Early Adulthood (18-39 years)

Early adulthood marks the transition from
youth and establishment of an
increasingly independent identity.

During this time, a young adult finishes
their growth cycle – the body enters a
maintenance phase and starts replacing
or repairing cells but does not produce
new cells for growth.
Middle Adulthood (40-64 years)

Middle adulthood is often seen as a time of
consolidation and reflection.

It is a time of achievement that is looked
forward to as they experience a peak in their
career followed by retirement from the
workforce.

Life priorities often change.

The body still remains in maintenance phase
however towards the end of this stage signs
of aging start to appear.
Later Adulthood (65+ years)

This stage is often clouded with negative
perceptions, but during this stage a
number of changes occur that have a
positive impact on health and
development, for example retirement.

There are also negative impacts on health
that occur, for example loss of memory,
death of a spouse or loved one.