According to a recent demographic study, boys are maturing physically earlier than ever before. The study shows that the age of sexual maturity for boys has been increasing by 2.5 months each decade since the middle of the 18th century. That means that today, 18 year old males have the developmentally equivalent body of a 22 year old in 1800.
The main causes for early maturity are felt to be better nutrition and improved resilience to diseases. However, the researchers point out that while males are maturing physically earlier, in terms of social and economic roles, they are reaching adulthood later. The age at which young adults marry, begin careers, and become financially independent has risen and continues to rise.
The study, conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostack, says that what had long been established for girls is now true for boys as well; both sexes are reaching physical and sexual maturity younger.
Source: Science Daily