adults

An adult is a person who has attained the age of majority or legal adulthood, conferring full legal rights and responsibilities. In many countries, the age of majority is 18, although some jurisdictions set it higher for specific purposes such as drinking, gambling, or military service. Legal adulthood generally grants capacity to enter contracts, vote in elections, marry without parental consent, and be liable for criminal charges; minority protections continue in certain contexts (child labor laws, welfare provisions).

Biologically, adulthood typically follows puberty, with continued brain development into the early to mid-20s, affecting judgment and decision-making, but social and moral responsibility often develops earlier.

In social terms, adults are expected to be self-sufficient, pursue education or employment, and participate in civic life. They may assume responsibilities such as financial independence, caregiving, and parental responsibilities. Rights and duties vary by jurisdiction and culture, including limits on certain rights (e.g., serving on juries, drinking alcohol) until the relevant age.

Health and wellness aspects include access to healthcare, insurance, and preventive services. Adults may face aging-related health concerns and, in many societies, long-term care planning becomes relevant.

Discussions of adulthood acknowledge cultural variability in the definition of maturity, rites of passage, and expectations. Some frameworks distinguish legal adulthood from biological or social adulthood, recognizing that maturity encompasses cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions, which can unfold at different rates for individuals.