The 5 Phases of Our Changing Brain

I came across a fascinating piece of research today and had to share it with you all. Scientists from the University of Cambridge have mapped out how our brains rewire themselves over our entire lifetime - not in one slow, steady curve, but in five distinct phases with some really striking turning points.

Here’s the idea :

Childhood (Birth to 9yearz) Our brains grow rapidly, creating far more connections than we’ll ever need - exploring, wandering, soaking up everything. Think: curiosity as a power.

Adolescence (9 to 32years) Yes… 32!

This stage continues well beyond school and those turbulent teen years. It’s a long stretch of refining who we are, strengthening pathways that matter and letting others go. No wonder this is the time when identity, confidence, and mental health can feel like a rollercoaster.

Adulthood (32 to 66years) A calmer era. We’re still learning, growing and adapting - just not at the same explosive pace. Things can feel more stable, even if life remains full of change.

Early Ageing (66 to 83years) A shift, not a drop. Brain systems start working in new patterns - ideas, memories, and skills reorganise.

Late Ageing (83 years+) Similar changes, a bit stronger. Still capable. Still learning. Still living.

My personal reflection…

What really resonated with me is that I can feel these shifts in my own life experience so far. The phases make sense - those turning points where suddenly we see ourselves differently, priorities change, our brains feel like they’re working in new ways.

And yet…

I always come back to this:

We do ourselves harm when we measure life only by age.

I much prefer to look at where someone is based on their abilities, needs, context, and capacity in this moment.

We are not late.

We are not early.

We are exactly where we are meant to be - learning what we’re ready to learn.

Our journeys aren’t linear, and neither are our brains.

So perhaps instead of panicking that we’re “behind” others or not who we expected to be by now… we can trust that our brains are still rewiring, still adapting, and still preparing us for what comes next.

What about you?

I would really like to know others' experiences and thoughts here? Please drop me an email if you wish to share!

Have you felt any of these transitions in your own life?

Do these brain phases resonate with your personal experience so far?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories and reflections please.