Age is just a number like the saying by many. Some adults are nothing compared to these young individuals. Let me pick this from where I work as an example. I have two female bosses who are supposed to guide the young ones coming into the system right but at times you discover, they are not mature enough but aged. In terms of handling managerial settings and quick decision-making, they are nothing compared to young individuals. Can we say they don't know what they are doing at the age of 55 years?
I have a baby girl who is 9 years old, her level of maturity is top-notch, and she has been independent in some areas right from age five. This is not a gain say but what her educators too can say about her. She talks as if she is in her teenage years. She is not aged but she acts maturely in so many ways.
18 years is the ideal age in Nigeria
Before now, it was believed that 18 years is an appropriate age for adulthood. I believe this age is like that too in some other countries. At this age, individuals are recognized as adults and are no longer considered minors under the law. If you commit any offense punishable by law, you are no longer seen as a minor, you will be punished. However, as things have gone from good to bad in my dear country, everybody is termed mature as long as you are working both legally and illegally. Why did I say this? In Nigeria.
18 years is when individuals are considered to have finished secondary education and have acquired basic life skills and knowledge and this is when they can perform some responsibilities and rights as a citizens such as voting under electoral acts, opening a bank account, getting jobs, entering legal transactions and many others. This is when they are no longer regarded as minors in case they commit any offense under the law.
Age and Maturity, does it matter?
From my perspective, age and maturity are two different things. Age may not necessarily dictate maturity because some young individuals might be more mature than those seen as elders while some may continue to face challenges in their personal development well into adulthood. Therefore, age should not be the sole determinant of an individual's maturity.
Maturity can be measured through some factors which can be seen in terms of emotional intelligence, social experience, decision-making skills, critical thinking, and life-changing experience. However, This would ensure that those who are ready to assume adult responsibilities are not restricted solely based on age. The moment, you will know that adulthood is a scam馃ぃ
What age will I recommend?
I will recommend age 22-25 years as the appropriate age to be considered into adulthood. Even though some individuals might still be in school at that age, this will accord them to be independent, know left from right, understand the law of the land, and obey. However, a balance must be struck between establishing a legal age of majority and recognizing that age alone may not define an individual's maturity.
My response to hivelearners weekly contest on the topic; The Ideal Adult Age.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to seeing your view in the comment section.
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