How to Money · Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Dr. Jean Twenge observes that Generation Z is continuing the 'slow life strategy' trend, exhibiting even lower engagement in traditional adult activities like obtaining a driver's license, holding part-time jobs, or dating compared to millennials. This pattern suggests a further delay in major life milestones for this younger cohort.
“It sure looks that way. I mean, okay, just you know, to look at gen Z says teens. They have completely next leveled those trends in terms of teens being less likely to adult things like get a driver's license, or have a job in high school, or go out on dates or drink alcohol.”
“All of those have just kept continued to decline in that transition between millennials and gen Z being the teenagers, and the stats on say marriage, you know that at least by my calculations, the oldest gen Z is now twenty eight, So we're starting to see that transition safe for younger people getting married, and that median age at first marriage continues to go up.”
“So it sure looks like gen Z is going to continue that slow life strategy trend.”