By late adolescence and early adulthood, people become more independent and begin investing in their education and career. Success in these domains depends very much on being reliable, dependable, and competent. Prior to this period, there is probably less need to behave conscientiously because parents and institutions are in place to guide people through life. For some, Conscientiousness declines after retirement not because the brain has changed but because there is less need to be a hardworking, driven personality—it seems okay to loosen one’s grip a bit and enjoy la dolce vita.
