Adult

Adult is a life stage in The Sims and The Sims 2, It is (usually) the longest and theoretically the most important.

The Sims
In the Sims, adults are user-created, and children never grow older, their lifespan is indefinite, they would need to be killed in some way in order for them to die.

Adult sims can take up jobs, fall in love, have and raise children, and prepare food, whereas children can do none of these. Obviously, it is nearly impossible for a family to function with no adults.

The Sims 2
The adult stage is unique in The Sims 2: assuming the University Expansion pack is installed, adult is the only life stage that follows one of two younger stages:


 * From Teen if University is not installed, or if it is decided not to send the Sim to University;
 * From Young Adult if the Sim graduates, drops out - or is expelled - from University. Graduates start their adult life with 6 wants and 2 locks, while dropouts will have 4 fears (Sims who never go to University won't get the 4th fear slot).

The course of an adult Sim's life depends greatly on their aspiration, so some Sims may marry and have children, whilst others remain single. Whatever the course of their life, Sims have to reach a high aspiration level when their 29 days as an adult near an end, as it will impact how long they live as elders.