Being an adult is a vague concept that is sometimes difficult to define. Different cultures and societies have different definitions of who is considered an adult.

Nonetheless, there are some physical, emotional, social, and legal milestones that one must meet to be considered an independent adult. In this article, we will discuss the milestones that one must achieve to be considered an adult.

Physical Milestones

Physical milestones include the physical changes that happen in a person’s body, which are a sign of maturity. These milestones are different for men and women, and they include:.

Men

For men, the following physical milestones must be achieved to be considered an adult:.

• Completion of puberty: This includes voice deepening, the growth of facial hair, and broadening of shoulders. It also includes the development of reproductive organs such as the testicles and the penis.
• Full height: Men typically stop growing taller around the age of 18-20, although some may continue growing till their mid-twenties.
• Regulation of sleep cycles: This means that one’s sleep pattern becomes more consistent and regular.
• Body hair growth
• Muscle development

Women

For women, the following physical milestones must be achieved to be considered an adult:.

Related Article At what age does adulthood really begin?

• Completion of puberty: This includes breast development, growth of pubic hair, and the onset of menstruation, which is a sign of sexual maturity.
• Full height: Women typically stop growing taller around the age of 16-18, although some may continue growing till their early twenties.
• Regulation of menstrual cycle: This means regular periods that signify healthy hormonal balance.
• Body hair growth

Emotional Milestones

Emotional milestones refer to a person’s psychological maturity and ability to regulate their emotions. These milestones demonstrate your level of independence and ability to make decisions.

• Acceptance of responsibility: This includes taking responsibility for your actions, as well as accepting the consequences of your choices, good or bad.
• Self-awareness: This involves understanding your emotions, thoughts, and actions. It also involves recognizing your strengths and weaknesses.
• Stress management: This means understanding how to cope with stress effectively. This can be achieved through meditation, exercise, therapy, and other stress-reducing activities.
• Decision making: As an adult, you should be able to make informed decisions and accept the outcomes without blaming others.
• Independence: This involves being responsible for your own finances, living arrangements, and personal health and well-being.

Social Milestones

Social milestones refer to a person’s ability to interact with others in society effectively. These milestones include:.

• Establishment of intimate relationships: This means having healthy and fulfilling relationships with romantic partners and friends.
• Building and maintaining a social network: This means cultivating meaningful friendships and relationships with others.
• Employment: This is the ability to hold down a job and contribute to society through work. It also means being financially independent and responsible.
• Good Communication: This involves effective communication with others and the ability to convey your thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
• Voluntary service: Contributing to the community in a meaningful way such as volunteering in a charitable organization or donating to a worthy cause.

Legal Milestones

Legal milestones are the age and regulatory requirements that must be met to participate fully in society. These milestones include:.

• Age of majority: In most countries, the age of majority is 18. This is the age at which a person is considered an adult and given the right to vote, sign contracts and make medical decisions.
• Driving age: In most countries, the legal driving age is 16. This allows a person the ability to drive independently and to get a driver’s license.
• Drinking age: In most countries, the legal drinking age is 21. This allows a person to consume alcohol responsibly and legally.
• Legal marriage age: This refers to the age at which a person can legally get married and form a legal union.
• Legal consent age: This is the age at which a person can legally give consent to sexual activity.

Conclusion

The milestones mentioned above are not exhaustive, but they are a good starting point for understanding what it means to be an adult.

Achieving these milestones does not mean that one has everything figured out, nor does it indicate that one has no room for further growth and development. Instead, these milestones provide a framework for what it means to be a responsible and independent person in our society.