The life cycle/Stages of Life

[Del Tachi]

Thinking socially rather than physiologically:

Childhood 0-12; Your activities/social interactions are almost entirely defined by your caregivers at this stage.

Teenager, 13-17; increasing personal autonomy, risk-taking, and a shift towards peer interactions as the primary mode of social activity.

College Years 18-24; a major formative experience for most, this represents the rapid weakening of ties to familial institutions (i.e., you move out, become independent, start working, etc.)

Young Adulthood, 25-34; often the beginning of one's career, this stage is often marked by entering into longer, more significant relationships with peers, decreased risk-taking, and establishing a sense of political/community identity.

Core Adulthood, 35-54; the primary modes at this lifestage are familial and professional.  Most child-rearing happens during this stage, and individuals often reach their career peaks.  Risk-averse behaviors peak.

Late Adulthood, 55-64; marked by a transition away from child-rearing (i.e., kids move out) and professional pursuits (i.e., retirement).  Added time for leisure could lead to increased opportunities for self-realization or depression.   

Elderhood, 65+; life becomes increasingly defined by physical ailments, mental degradation, and/or death.  However, opportunities for spiritual or self-realization are the most potent.