Rethinking Adulthood: Beyond Age as a Measure of Maturity

Most countries recognize 18 as the start of adulthood by granting various freedoms and privileges. But is age the best way to measure maturity? This article delves into the complexities of defining adulthood beyond a specific age and explores the insights provided by neuroscience. By examining brain development and cognitive abilities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of maturity.

I was born 12:05 AM on November 6th—5 minutes short of being eligible to vote in the election tomorrow. Meanwhile, your big brother—yours truly—was born 15 minutes earlier, so I can vote. It’s arbitrary and unfair! The voting age should be lowered to 16! No way 16-year-olds are mature enough to make decisions with national consequences. I’m eligible and I don’t even know who’s running. Meanwhile, I know the candidates inside and out. She's obsessed with politics. Exactly! If 16-year-olds aren’t mature enough to vote, then by that same logic, they shouldn’t be allowed to drive. I firmly disagree! I’m an excellent driver! And I’ve never gotten a ticket, unlike some people. That’s so unfair! That stop sign was hidden by a tree. I think you both make valid points. And questioning the age limits of adulthood is well warranted.

Some countries have lowered the voting age to 16, and cultural coming-of-age ceremonies are often celebrated at different ages. As there seems to be no consensus on exactly when we reach maturity, perhaps science can give us a clearer answer. One way neuroscientists have looked to define adulthood is by when the brain is fully grown. Brain development involves two trajectories: a reduction in gray matter and an increase in white matter.

Gray matter consists of cells and connections that facilitate communication at short ranges, creating dense, information-processing hubs. The reduction in gray matter involves a selective pruning, strengthening connections that are used while weeding away underused ones. This process creates a brain that is fine-tuned to its environment and energy efficient. Simultaneously, an increase in white matter occurs, which allows for fast far-range communication between information hubs. These connections enable balanced, forward-thinking decisions and connect regions that signal immediate reward with those aiding in long-term planning.

Another way scientists have tried to define adulthood is by measuring cognitive development, assessing the efficiency of learning and completing mental tasks compared to older adults. By this definition, adulthood may begin as early as 16, as teenagers perform just as well as older adults on tests of reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. However, external pressures and emotional and social influences can affect decision-making. Studies show that when faced with risk-taking and self-control tasks, 18 to 21 year olds behave similarly to older adults. Yet, when emotional or social elements are introduced, their behavior aligns more with younger teens, suggesting a heightened focus on social and emotional aspects.

Considering the ongoing changes in the emerging adult brain, many scientists argue that judicial systems should expand juvenile courts to include individuals in their late teens and early twenties. Current systems often fail to recognize the distinct developmental stage of emerging adulthood, which affects decision-making processes and susceptibility to external influences.In conclusion, determining the exact age or moment when an individual becomes an adult proves challenging. Neuroscience suggests that there are waves of maturity as different brain regions and mental abilities mature at different times. Each person's journey to adulthood is unique, influenced by genetics, environment, and experience. By understanding the complexities of brain development and cognitive abilities, we can broaden our perspective on the multifaceted nature of maturity and reconsider age as it's the sole criterion for defining adulthood.

Henrik Leandro