Britain is a nation of Peter Pan characters, according to a new survey, as nearly half of British adults admit to finally feeling ‘grown-up’ when they reach the age of 25.
The poll by Scottish Widows found that Britons delay taking on the roles and responsibility of adulthood, with 47% revealing that they don’t feel like a proper adult until their 25th birthday. A further 33% delay it even longer, admitting that it takes them beyond their 26th year and beyond to grow up.
The life stages where Brits feel like they’re growing up begins when they secure their first job (29%) as it makes them feel more financially responsible. This follows closely behind getting married (14%), and leaving full-time education (13%).
But despite Brits lagging behind the grown-up stakes, the study did find that they begin the take charge of their financial matters at an early age. Of the people polled, 62% felt financially mature by the time they turned 26.
So, why is 25 the prime age for feeling like an adult?
“Thirty years or so ago people were married at an average age of 21, and having children not long after that, forcing them to 'grow up' and become adults at a very young age,” life coach Sophia Davis told The Huffington Post.
“Priorities have really changed these days. We have more opportunities than we used to, so as a result, people are getting married later, having kids at an older age and striving to build careers, travel and gain life experience.
“This has led to what might seem like a more 'peter pan' society, but in many respects we feel more worldly more financially capable and less pressured to rush into 'adulthood'.
“So is it a bad thing? I say 'Whatever works for you is the right thing. If you are able to look after yourself, and be responsible when you need to, then enjoy life whilst you can. There is plenty of time to become old".