An adult is a person who has reached a certain age , and in relation to whom there is reason to assume that he has physical and mental maturity. An adult individual has the necessary knowledge and skills that allow him to make decisions that are important in his life path.
Compared with adolescents , adults have more rights and greater responsibility . As a rule, adults are able to provide for themselves. Entry into adulthood, depending on local legislation , is accompanied by the acquisition of such rights as driving a car , independent travel abroad, political participation (obtaining the rights to elect and be elected), sex and marriage .
Legally, a person becomes an adult after coming of age , that is, after attaining full legal capacity in accordance with the law. The age of actual adulthood is not universal and varies depending on the framework of age periodization adopted in a given society and depending on the physical and psychological development of a particular person. Sign of a final maturity can be considered a person receiving a profession, bringing a stable cash income.
See also
- Age of majority