With the many changes taking place in our society, young adults cannot simply travel in the footsteps of their elders. That path may not take them where they need to be. Young adults need persons who are willing to listen to their struggles and concerns and who are able to help them clarify their hopes, dreams, and faith. A second critical concern for young adults is the issue of intimacy versus isolation. For many young adults raised in single-parent families, the fear of divorce is a critical issue.
Many young adults postpone marriage because they fear failure.
Young adults typically need intimacy and relationship with others, but marriage may not be the answer, at least not yet. Middle adulthood begins around age 35 to 40 and continues through age 65 to 70. Interests of people in this age segment include personal growth, relationship development, career and financial planning, problem solving, and values clarification. Middle adulthood is sometimes characterized as a period of crises involving job or career transitions, marriage and intimacy changes, and identity and dream fulfillment. Reassessing one's marriage, relating to teenage children and aging parents, managing stress, and adjusting to the realities of work are part of middle adulthood.