None of the above. Specific physical ages are important for legal reasons--to keep the playing field even--but having attained a certain age does not make one an adult. The last answer, when a person is mature and independent, is only mediocre. For example, my grandmother requires assisted living or a nursing home. Do we strip her of her adult status, now that she is no longer independent? I believe the single most defining characteristic of an adult is the willingness and ability to take responsibility for one's actions. The actions and responsibilities will change as a person grows older, but the capacity to deal with them as an adult continues all his or her life, for most people.
When do you consider someone an adult?
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None of the above. Specific physical ages are important for legal reasons--to keep the playing field even--but having attained a certain age does not make one an adult. The last answer, when a person is mature and independent, is only mediocre. For example, my grandmother requires assisted living or a nursing home. Do we strip her of her adult status, now that she is no longer independent? I believe the single most defining characteristic of an adult is the willingness and ability to take responsibility for one's actions. The actions and responsibilities will change as a person grows older, but the capacity to deal with them as an adult continues all his or her life, for most people.