The Official Term: Vicenarian
When looking for a formal term, a person in their twenties (between 20 and 29 years old) is called a vicenarian. This term comes from Latin and is part of a series used to denote age by decade, such as tricenarian for someone in their thirties or centenarian for someone over 100. While not commonly used in everyday conversation, it is the correct and specific term for this age group.
Why the Term Is Uncommon
Despite its accuracy, the term vicenarian isn't in regular use for several reasons. For one, the more casual "twenty-something" is an easily understood and more widely accepted colloquialism. Additionally, the field of developmental psychology has introduced more nuanced terms that describe the specific developmental stage rather than just the numerical age, making them more prevalent in scientific and social discussions.
The Psychological View: Emerging Adulthood
Beyond the simple numerical designation, the most recognized psychological term for this phase is "emerging adulthood." This stage is generally considered to span from the late teens through the twenties (roughly 18 to 29 years old) and is characterized by a period of exploration and transition. During this time, individuals often experience instability in love, work, and residence as they navigate the path toward becoming fully independent and settled adults.
This stage is not a universal experience for everyone, but it is increasingly common in modern societies where traditional markers of adulthood—like marriage, finishing education, and establishing a career—are being achieved later in life. Emerging adulthood is a time for young people to focus on self-growth and establish their identity outside of their family of origin.
Key Tasks of Emerging Adulthood
- Identity Exploration: Trying out different roles, ideas, and experiences in work, love, and worldviews.
- Instability: Frequent changes in residence, romantic partners, and jobs as individuals figure out their path.
- Self-Focus: A relatively self-focused stage with few commitments to others, providing freedom to explore.
- Feeling In-Between: Many emerging adults report feeling neither like an adolescent nor a full-fledged adult.
- Sense of Possibility: Often marked by optimism and the belief that a variety of futures are possible.
The Science Behind the Twenties
While adolescence is a period of intense neural changes, the brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties. The prefrontal cortex, which governs rational thought, decision-making, and impulse control, is one of the last areas to mature. This ongoing development explains why 20-year-olds are more adept at complex thinking and better able to integrate emotions into their decisions than younger teens. However, they may also still experience the occasional sense of invincibility and engage in some risk-taking behaviors.
Physical and Mental Health at 20
Physically, most individuals are at their peak biological performance in their early twenties. However, this period is not without its health risks. The early twenties are a time of heightened vulnerability for mental health issues, with many psychological conditions beginning to manifest. It is also a period with elevated risks for accidents and substance abuse.
Building a Foundation for Healthy Aging
The decisions and habits formed in your twenties have a profound impact on your health decades down the line. What might seem like small choices now—like dietary habits, exercise routines, stress management, and sleep quality—are foundational to preventing chronic diseases later in life. For example, building strong bone density in your twenties is critical for preventing osteoporosis as a senior.
Early Health and Later Life
- Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity in your twenties builds muscle mass and cardiovascular health, which protects against age-related decline.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports cognitive function and organ health, setting the stage for a healthier old age.
- Stress Management: Developing effective coping mechanisms for stress in early adulthood can prevent a host of stress-related illnesses in middle and late adulthood.
- Routine Healthcare: Utilizing regular check-ups and preventative care during this stage is important for establishing a baseline for monitoring health.
Comparison: Legal vs. Social vs. Developmental Adulthood
It's useful to compare the different ways we define adulthood, which can often cause confusion regarding what is the age 20 called. The legal definition, the social expectations, and the developmental realities are not always in sync.
| Aspect | Age 20 Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | Adult | Considered a legal adult in most Western countries (age of majority often 18). Has the right to vote, enter contracts, and serve in the military. Some privileges, like purchasing alcohol, may be delayed until 21. |
| Social | Emerging Adult | A transitional status where traditional adult milestones like career, marriage, and homeownership are delayed. Often still exploring and finding their footing in the world. |
| Developmental | Emerging Adult (Brain Development Ongoing) | The brain continues to mature, especially the prefrontal cortex. Physiologically at a peak but still undergoing psychological maturation, such as solidifying identity. |
A Broader Perspective on Aging
Viewing age 20 through the lens of healthy aging is vital. Rather than just a period of peak youth, it can be seen as the launchpad for the rest of a person's life. The habits, relationships, and mental frameworks established during this decade are the building blocks for navigating all subsequent stages of life, including middle age and senior care. A focus on preventative care and wellness at this early stage is one of the most powerful investments a person can make in their future.
For more information on the different stages of lifespan development, you can refer to the extensive resources provided by the National Institutes of Health here.
Conclusion: The Significance of the Vicenarian Decade
The question, "what is the age 20 called," offers a more complex answer than a single word. While a vicenarian is the formal term, the period is best understood through the psychological concept of emerging adulthood. It's a decade of profound change, growth, and exploration—a critical time for neurological maturation and for laying the groundwork for a long and healthy life. Understanding this unique stage is key to appreciating its importance not just as an ending of youth but as the crucial start of adult life.
