Fifty is the new 30, 30 is the new 20 and now 24 is the new 18, say researchers in a new study.
Researchers in Melbourne, Australia, are pushing for adolescence to be moved from 10 to 19 years old to 10 to 24 years old.
Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, an independent journal, published an article titled “The Age of Adolescence” in January that says makers of laws, social policies and service systems should re-examine adolescence.
Adolescence commences at the onset of puberty, which socially begins around 12 or 13 years of age, but physically begins a bit before the age of 10, according to the study. This stage of life physically concludes between 24 and 26 years old.
The age of adolescence is not set in stone, say the researchers, since patterns of growth change based on health and nutrition. For example, the more developed or industrialized a country is, the lower the age of menarche. In the 18th century, girls didn’t get their periods until 14, now girls generally get their periods a short time after their 12th birthday.
For the scientist, expanding the age would align with the brains development. According to the study, the brain is plastic or moldable until the mid-20s.
“Although maturation of logical reasoning is considered complete from about age 16 years, the development of more mature affect regulation, social relationships, and executive functioning continues for at least another decade,” the report says. Executive functions involve planning, organizing information and self-regulation.
Dr. Susan Sawyer, the lead author of the article who is also a professor at the University of Melbourne and the president of the International Association for Adolescent Health, explained, “The adolescent brain is hugely dynamic in terms of the refinement that takes place in the brain.”
Sawyer describes the adolescent brain as an inner city with a lot of interconnected laneways or alleys. When there is barely or no activity on those alleyways, the brain obliterates those connections that could have been solidified with experiences. Adolescents who are able to take advantage of a diverse set of opportunities end up with a repertoire of experiences that aid a more complete brain development.
By expanding the age of adolescence, life planning can be more practical. Expecting that adolescents would prioritize health care over going out with their friends is unrealistic, says Sawyer.