In our culture, youth is pretty revered for being the best time life has to offer.
Not everything is about being young, however. Scientists have taken a look at what exactly is going on in our brains and bodies at certain ages, and their research has actually been able to pin down human milestones. We know when most people usually hit their “peak” performance in certain areas, and some of the results are totally surprising.
Even the youngest among us have milestones. Seven is the age at which you’re the best at picking up on foreign languages.
https://www.instagram.com/p/7oJO-zgdsH
Even though they’re not known for using them well, teenagers’ claim to fame is that at 18, human brains processes information the fastest.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQDRXIlDiG
In our 20s we reach a ton of peaks, including remembering names, life satisfaction, muscle strength, finding a partner for marriage, and running marathons.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTPrjgrhaAK
Read More: These NASA Images Of How The World Has Changed Prove We’re All Screwed
Your 30s bring you tip-top bone mass, chess-playing abilities, facial recognition, and top salaries for women.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQEQ5ljFRM
If you’re 40+, men reach their top salaries and people of all genders are most likely to win a Nobel prize.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTPfke-jSAO
Not quite a math person? You just might not have reached your peak yet. Understanding arithmetic and understanding people’s emotions are at highs in your 50s.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQDl1aFkdk
At 69, you reach another high point in the search for satisfaction in life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTL3rGYh2zu
Happiness with your body and extensive vocabularies are reported in your 70s.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTPbmQRgHwz
Finally, your psychological well-being is best when you reach the age of 82. Wow!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTPJhjRgWoj
(via IFL Science)