When is the right time for marriage? What is the best age to have children? At what age should you buy a home? When is retirement ideal?
A global survey of 18 middle-income countries provides answers. On average, people believe the best age for marriage and having a first child is 26. The ideal time to buy a home is 30. The best retirement age is around 58.
Despite cultural differences, the responses remain similar across nations. The age gap between countries for these milestones is usually within a decade.
BEST AGE TO GET MARRIED
Most people believe mid-20s is the ideal time for marriage. Responses range from 21 in Bangladesh to nearly 29 in Argentina. Over 75% of adults in Bangladesh think marriage should happen before 25. India is the only other country where a majority agrees.
In contrast, people in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, South Africa, and Tunisia think marriage should happen later. Around 10% in these countries believe the best age is 35 or older.
A small percentage disagrees with setting an ideal marriage age. In Tunisia, 10% hold this view. In Argentina, it’s 11%. In Chile, 16% say there is no “right” time.
Global trends show people typically marry in their 20s. However, there is a gender gap. Women marry earlier than men. Survey responses reflect this pattern, with women suggesting a younger marriage age than men in 14 of 18 countries.
BEST AGE TO HAVE A FIRST CHILD
Most respondents agree that mid-20s is the best time for parenthood. The average ideal age ranges from 23.5 in Bangladesh to nearly 30 in Tunisia.
More than one-third of adults in Bangladesh, India, Kenya, and South Africa think the first child should come before 25.
Meanwhile, people in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Thailand, and Tunisia believe 30 or older is a better age.
The survey finds that people worldwide think 26 is the best age for having a child. But, United Nations data shows most women give birth for the first time at 28 or later.
BEST AGE TO BUY A HOME
Opinions vary more when it comes to homeownership. The average ideal age to buy a home ranges from 24.9 in Brazil to 36.3 in Ghana.
In South Africa, Sri Lanka, and several Latin American countries, about 20% of adults hold the belief. They think buying a home before 25 is ideal.
But, in 11 nations, at least 10% say the best time is 40 or older. This includes Ghana, where 41% support later homeownership.
BEST AGE TO RETIRE
Most respondents believe the late 50s is the right time to retire. Yet, opinions vary. Colombians think 52 is best, while Nigerians prefer 62.
The survey reveals wide variations within countries. About 20% of adults in Turkey and Colombia think retiring before 50 is ideal. Meanwhile, similar percentages in Kenya and Nigeria believe the right age is 70 or older.
In most nations, the ideal retirement age is lower than the official pension age. For example, Mexicans qualify for a pension at 65, yet they believe 56 is the best retirement age.
Retirement is not a universal concept. Many older adults continue working in informal sectors. In Nigeria, people can receive pensions at 50, yet they believe 62 is the best retirement age. This likely reflects the high rate of self-employment in the country.
While cultural and economic factors shape life decisions, global opinions remain surprisingly consistent. People believe the mid-20s is the best time for marriage and parenthood. Homeownership is best at 30, and retirement should happen in the late 50s.
However, life circumstances vary. Personal finances, career stability, and health all influence the timing of these milestones. Ultimately, the “best” age depends on individual goals and opportunities.