Adolescence is defined as the transition period between which two life stages?

Adolescence is recognized as the developmental stage that bridges childhood and adulthood. This period typically encompasses the ages of about 10 to 19, though it can vary culturally and individually. During adolescence, individuals experience significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes that prepare them for the responsibilities and roles associated with adulthood. This involves not only maturation of the body but also the development of identity, decision-making capabilities, and independence.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical understanding of adolescence. For instance, retirement is not directly related to adolescence, as it pertains to the later stages of adulthood. Similarly, elderhood and old age are stages that come well after adulthood, which makes those options irrelevant when discussing the transition encapsulated by adolescence. Thus, the most precise delineation of the transition defined by adolescence is indeed between childhood and adulthood.