The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adjusted the age ranges for young single adults and single adults on July 18, 2024.
In a letter from the Church’s Priesthood and Family Department, it said the term "young single adult" now refers to unmarried members ages 18–35 and "single adult" now describes unmarried members ages 36 and older.
This was a significant change from the previous age cutoff for single adults which was 30 years old. Some BYU students said they thought the change was positive.
“It is probably a good change just to help people,” Kendall Ashton, a BYU student, said. “(It is) more inclusive of all the ages so they can stay and be in groups they’re more comfortable with.”
The letter also stated that area presidencies should work with stake presidents to determine what is best for the young single adult and single adult wards in their area and to propose changes if needed. It encouraged leaders to think how their decision might impact individuals, in the 31-35 age range, who are transitioning to a young single adult ward.
Although some students praised the positive aspects of the change, others acknowledged some of the downsides.
“I think it's a little bit awkward if there is such a wide age range within a ward,” Emily Self, another student at BYU, said. “It gets a little bit tricky with dating and things like that.”
Self explained she had been in wards with other members that were significantly older than she was. With the large emphasis on dating in these wards, Self said she felt uncomfortable at times when she, a 24-year-old, would be asked out by someone many years her senior.
“I was just in a very different phase of life from them,” Self said. “I feel like a lot of times like they're working and have their life kind of more figured out than I do as a college student.”
James Rainey, a 28-year-old student at BYU, said the change might benefit those in the older demographic who are looking to date.
Rainey explained that being 28 in a ward with 18-year-olds made dating difficult so he started using Mutual instead.
“Since everybody's trying to date, it just doesn't feel as cozy as a regular ward with a bunch of kids and married couples,” Rainey said. “It’s like I’m being judged, trying to date. Am I being sized up? I don’t know, I might just be in my head but I think that’s a lot of peoples’ experiences.”
The letter from the Church also announced Institute classes will now be available for young adults ages 18–35. The letter told leaders to encourage young adults to attend institute, “where they will find friends, feel a sense of belonging and experience Christ-centered teachings.”
The Church encouraged those with questions about age adjustments and institute classes to email si-online@churchofjesuschrist.org.