'Sub-phases in this timetable of psycho-social growth patterns... are not rigid, and both social change and individual variations must be taken into account'[8]—not to mention regional and cultural differences.
Arguably indeed, with people living longer, and also reaching puberty earlier, 'age norms for major life events have become highly elastic'[9] by the twenty-first century.
Alternatively, MIT has generally defined "young adulthood" as 18 to 22 or 18 to 25, although this is likely to align with the typical age range of college students.
[14] Despite all such fluidity, there is broad agreement that it is essentially the twenties and thirties that constitute 'Early adulthood... the basis for what Levinson calls the Dream—a vision of his [or her] goals in life which provide motivation and enthusiasm for the future.
'[15] Young/prime adulthood can be considered the healthiest time of life[11] and young adults are generally in good health, subject neither to disease nor the problems of senescence.
[16][18] As teens transition into young adulthood, engagement in risky behavior may be noticeable, which may result in health risks such as "unintended injury, unprotected sex, violence, binge drinking, motor vehicle incidents, suicide, and poor diet and nutrition.
"[10] 75% of deaths during the young adult years are due to risky behavior or mental health crises leading to suicide.
Mortality statistics among men and women level off during the late twenties and thirties, due in part to good health and less risk-taking behavior.
Those dealing with the effects of mental illness are more likely to indulge in food that lacks nutrients and is high in sugar, salt, and fats.
'[27] The danger is that in 'the second era, Early Adulthood... we must make crucially important choices regarding marriage, family, work, and lifestyle before we have the maturity or life experience to choose wisely.
'[3] While 'young adulthood is filled with avid quests for intimate relationships and other major commitments involving career and life goals', there is also "a parallel pursuit for the formulation of a set of moral values".
This is typically the time for pursuing ambitions and aspirations, finding a place in society, forming families, strengthening relationships and as the era ends establishing a solid position in the adult world.
[32] After the relative upheaval of the early 30s, the middle to late 30s is often characterized by settling down: 'the establishment phase', involving 'what we would call major life investments—work, family, friends, community activities, and values.
[34] What has been termed 'the Culminating Life Structure for Early Adulthood (33–40) is the vehicle for completing this era and realizing our youthful aspirations.
'[3] People in their thirties may increase the financial and emotional investments they make in their lives, and may have been employed long enough to gain promotions and raises.
They often become more focused on advancing their careers and gaining stability in their personal lives—'with marriage and child-rearing,'[8] starting a family, coming to the fore as priorities.