Which option correctly lists each life stage with its age range?

• A. Young 20-40; Middle 40-65; Late 65 and older
• B. Young 18-30; Middle 30-60; Late 60-80
• C. Young 15-25; Middle 25-55; Late 55-75
• D. Young 20-35; Middle 35-60; Late 60-90

Answer: (A)

Life stages are defined by age ranges to group ages that share similar developmental tasks and transitions. A common and widely used breakdown is young adulthood from about 20 to 40, middle adulthood from 40 to 65, and late adulthood from 65 onward. This arrangement lines up with typical life events and responsibilities: establishing independence and identity in the 20s to 40s, focusing on career and family in the 40s to 60s, and adapting to aging plus retirement after 65. The option that uses Young 20-40, Middle 40-65, and Late 65 and older fits these familiar boundaries best, which is why it’s the most appropriate choice. Other options shift the cutoffs in ways that blur transitions (for example ending young too early or late too soon, or mixing adolescence with young adulthood), making them less consistent with common usage.