Defining Emerging Adulthood and its Significance at Age 23
While there is no single, unique term for the age of 23, it is most accurately categorized as being within the phase of "emerging adulthood," a concept introduced by psychologist Jeffrey Arnett. This stage typically spans from the late teens through the twenties and is a distinct period in modern, industrialized societies. During this time, young people have largely left adolescence behind but have not yet fully committed to the long-term roles and responsibilities that define traditional adulthood, such as marriage, stable careers, and parenthood.
For someone who is 23, this can be an exciting but also confusing time. They may feel like a mix of adolescent and adult, with new freedoms and opportunities alongside a sense of instability and uncertainty. The decisions and habits formed at 23 can profoundly influence their trajectory toward healthy aging, encompassing not just physical health, but also mental, financial, and social well-being.
The Five Pillars of Emerging Adulthood
According to Arnett's research, five key characteristics define this transitional phase:
- Identity Exploration: At 23, individuals are often still actively exploring who they are, their values, beliefs, and where they fit into the world. This can involve trying different jobs, academic majors, or relationship styles.
- Instability: This is a period of frequent change. A 23-year-old might experience multiple job changes, shifts in romantic relationships, or frequent residential moves. This instability is a natural part of the exploration process.
- Self-Focus: Freed from the constraints of living under a parent's roof, this is a time for a healthy focus on oneself. At 23, it is a crucial time for personal growth and developing the self-sufficiency needed for later life.
- Feeling In-Between: Many 23-year-olds report feeling neither like a teenager nor a full-fledged adult. This sense of being in transition is a defining subjective experience of emerging adulthood.
- Age of Possibilities: Despite the instability, this is often a time of great optimism and hope for the future. Most emerging adults believe they have a good chance of achieving a better life than their parents.
Health Considerations for 23-Year-Olds and a Lifelong Perspective
While often perceived as a period of peak physical health, the early twenties are a critical time for setting the stage for healthy aging. Lifestyle choices made now can have a significant impact decades later. Health considerations include:
- Mental Health: Emerging adulthood is associated with a peak in the onset of many mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Developing healthy coping mechanisms, practicing mindfulness, and minimizing stress are vital during this time.
- Physical Health: Establishing habits of regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough sleep are crucial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that healthy aging starts in young adulthood by adopting positive lifestyle choices.
- Preventive Care: At 23, it is important to continue with regular health checkups and vaccinations. This is also the period when some gender-specific screenings, like Pap tests for women, begin.
- Substance Use: Risk-taking behavior, including substance use, can peak in the early twenties. Addressing any potential issues early is important, as addiction can significantly impact long-term health and well-being.
Financial Milestones and Career Pathing
At 23, financial independence is often a work in progress. For many, this is the time to start building the financial foundation for the rest of their lives. Key steps include:
- Budgeting: Learning to track income and expenses is the first step toward financial control. Creating a realistic budget helps manage spending and prioritize savings.
- Saving and Investing: Building an emergency fund is essential. Starting to save and invest early, even small amounts, allows for a significant wealth multiplier effect due to compounding over time.
- Managing Credit and Debt: This is the time to build a strong credit history by paying bills on time and using credit wisely. It is also a period when student loan debt management often begins.
- Career Exploration: The early twenties are not always about finding a "forever" job. It's an opportunity to explore different roles and industries, build skills, and find a fulfilling career path. Seeking out mentors and taking advantage of professional development can be invaluable.
Navigating Relationships and Social Growth
Relationships in the early twenties are also in a state of flux. Friendships may shift as people move or enter serious relationships, and romantic partnerships become more intentional.
- Navigating Romantic Relationships: Dating in the early twenties can be confusing, but it is an important time for learning what one wants and needs in a partner. It’s a time to focus on personal values rather than just superficial connections.
- Nurturing Friendships: While romantic partners become more central, maintaining close friendships is vital for support and connection. For single emerging adults, friends often serve as the primary social safety net.
- Family Dynamics: As young adults gain more autonomy, the relationship with parents evolves. The shift from dependence to a more adult-to-adult dynamic can be challenging but is crucial for healthy development.
Healthy Aging: Starting Early for a Stronger Future
Starting to practice healthy habits at 23 is one of the most powerful steps toward a healthier, more vibrant later life. The choices made during this formative decade create the baseline for physical, mental, and financial well-being. For example, maintaining a healthy weight in early adulthood is strongly correlated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases later in life, and establishing sound financial practices can lead to greater security in retirement. The CDC emphasizes that healthy aging is a lifelong process, not something that begins in retirement.
| Developmental Area at Age 23 | Characterized By | Long-Term Impact on Healthy Aging |
|---|---|---|
| Identity & Self | Exploration, flux, self-focus | A stronger, more defined sense of self reduces existential stress in later life. |
| Relationships | Instability, evolving dynamics with friends and family | Learning healthy relationship patterns reduces future conflict and social isolation. |
| Health | Peak physical status but risk of poor habits forming | Establishes a foundation of healthy habits to prevent chronic illness. |
| Finances | Initial financial steps, budgeting, debt, investing | Enables long-term security, peace of mind, and financial freedom in retirement. |
Conclusion: A Launchpad for a Healthy Life
To answer the question, "What is the age of 23 called?" is to understand it as a key moment within emerging adulthood. It is not just another birthday but a launchpad for the rest of a person's life, a period defined by exploration, decision-making, and the laying of foundations. The proactive choices made at this age, from career planning and financial discipline to prioritizing mental and physical health, are investments that pay dividends for years and decades to come. Embracing the uncertainty and opportunities of this unique life stage is the first step toward a journey of lifelong wellness and healthy aging.
For more information on the stages of lifespan development, visit the American Psychological Association website.
