aikuisvaiheet

Aikuisvaiheet refers to the stages of life that occur after adulthood is reached. In Finnish usage, the concept is used across disciplines such as sociology, psychology, demography, and public policy to describe how individuals take on new social roles, responsibilities, and life tasks as they grow older. It encompasses changes in work, relationships, family formation, health, and financial planning.

Common frameworks divide adulthood into several phases, often broadly categorized as early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. Early adulthood typically covers roughly the late teens to the 30s or 40s, focusing on education, entry into the workforce, and establishing intimate relationships. Middle adulthood commonly spans the 40s to the mid-60s, marked by career development, parenting of growing children, and planning for long-term stability. Late adulthood generally includes the 60s and beyond, with emphasis on retirement planning, health maintenance, and adjustments to aging. Some models also discuss transitional periods such as emerging adulthood or career- and family-related milestones within these broad phases.

Variability is a key feature of aikuisvaiheet. Cultural norms, socioeconomic status, health, gender, and personal circumstances influence the timing and experience of each phase. The concept supports research and policy about aging, labor markets, education, healthcare, and social services by highlighting typical needs and responsibilities associated with different adult stages. Critics argue that rigid stage models oversimplify diverse life paths and may overlook non-linear or culturally specific experiences of adulthood.