The adjusted age ranges were sent in an official letter from the Church’s Priesthood and Family Department (which oversees curriculum and programs and training for Latter-day Saints and leaders) on Thursday, July 18, 2024, to local leaders in the United States and Canada.
Young Single Adults
“Young single adult” now refers to unmarried members ages 18-35. Where available, units for
YSAs may include those ages 18-35. In areas with many YSAs — and particularly in YSA stakes — leaders may consider recommending an adjustment to provide a ward for members ages 18-25 and a ward for those ages 26-35.
Single Adults
The term “single adult” now describes unmarried members ages 36 and older. Where units for single adult members are available, they may include those ages 36-45.
The letter directs area presidencies to work with stake presidents to determine what is best for the single adults and young single adults in their areas and to propose changes in units, if needed. The leaders are to consider how their decisions might impact a single adult ward if a significant number of members ages 31 to 35 transition to a young single adult ward.
Young single adults are encouraged to attend institute, the letter says, “where they will find friends, feel a sense of belonging and experience Christ-centered teachings.”
Institute classes are now available for ages 18-35. Classes will be divided by ages 18-25 and ages 26-35 unless the number of participants is insufficient to justify dividing the classes. The letter asks local leaders to “please encourage young single adults to attend Institute, where they will find friends, feel a sense of belonging and experience Christ-centered teachings.”
These age changes, effective now, will be published in chapters 14 and 37 of the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the coming weeks.
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