Which life stage typically follows early adulthood?

The life stage that typically follows early adulthood is middle adulthood. This is defined by a range of ages generally encompassing the late 30s to early 60s. During this phase, individuals often experience significant personal and professional developments, including career advancement, family growth, and often a deepening sense of responsibility.

Middle adulthood is characterized by physical changes such as a gradual decline in muscle mass and endurance, along with psychological shifts, including reflections on life achievements and reassessments of life goals, often referred to as a "midlife crisis".

In contrast, late adulthood, adolescence, and childhood do not immediately follow early adulthood. Late adulthood comes afterward, typically recognized after middle adulthood, while adolescence and childhood precede early adulthood. Understanding these life stages is crucial for recognizing the developmental tasks and challenges associated with each phase.