A new study suggests that Gen Z has redefined what it means to be an adult, pushing the age of adulthood to 27, far beyond the traditional age of 18. This shift is largely attributed to the cost of living crisis, which has left many young adults financially dependent on their parents well into their twenties. The study, conducted by Life Happens, surveyed 2,000 Americans across generations and found that 56% believe adulthood begins when a person can pay their own bills, while 45% said it starts when someone becomes financially independent.
Despite societal expectations, only 11% of Gen Z participants said they feel like adults, with many citing a lack of financial stability and life milestones like homeownership as reasons for feeling unprepared. The survey revealed that many in their late twenties, particularly Gen Z, still do not meet traditional benchmarks of adulthood, such as owning a home or being self-sufficient.
Interestingly, this sentiment extends beyond Gen Z, as some millennials and Gen Xers also reported not feeling fully financially independent. Many participants acknowledged that financial stability is becoming harder to achieve, with some believing they won’t reach that point until their mid-40s, if at all.
The cost of living, inflation, and an unstable job market were all cited as reasons why ‘adulting’ is more difficult today than in the past. With housing affordability at a historic low for people under 35, it’s clear that these factors have reshaped the timeline for adulthood across generations.
