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CLOCK OF AGES

There’s a best time in your life for everything – find out when you should get married, have great sex and buy your first home

Read on to find out when you might be getting that much sought after promotion at work

EVER wondered when is the best stage in life to have great sex, start a family or even run a marathon? According to experts, there is a perfect time for everything.

Here, KATE JACKSON and NICK PRITCHARD reveal the ideal ages for most of life’s big events.

Age 5

FOREIGN HOL

You don't want to send your kids on holiday if they aren't going to remember anything about it
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You don't want to send your kids on holiday if they aren't going to remember anything about itCredit: Alamy

Toddlers won’t recall going on holiday, according to psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer.

She says they only start to “appreciate the whole experience” between five and eight.

Age 7

LEARN A LANGUAGE

Knowing a second language can boost your child's job prospects - get them started at the age of 7
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Knowing a second language can boost your child's job prospects - get them started at the age of 7Credit: Getty - Contributor

Children find it easier to pick up new words now.

Experts believe this is the age when the skills for learning a ­second language peak.

Age 9

POCKET MONEY

Most children should know the value and importance of money around this age
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Most children should know the value and importance of money around this ageCredit: Image Source - Getty

Every child should learn to spend money sensibly. ­

Parents tend to start giving their children pocket money at this age, a poll by labels firm My Nametags found.

Age 17

LEARN TO DRIVE

Get your driving test out the way as studies show the older you get, the more difficult passing becomes
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Get your driving test out the way as studies show the older you get, the more difficult passing becomesCredit: Alamy

Driving test passes peak at this age, with 58 per cent of boys and 53 per cent of girls earning a licence.

The pass rate drops to 35 per cent for those in their fifties.

Age 19

START FULL-TIME JOB

School-leavers thrive in the workplace at the age of 19 according to polls
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School-leavers thrive in the workplace at the age of 19 according to pollsCredit: Getty - Contributor

Having left school, you are still used to learning skills quickly.

This is the age to get a full-time job, according to a poll of 16 to 65-year-olds.

Age 23

FLIRT

Make the most of being 23 and get flirting
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Make the most of being 23 and get flirtingCredit: Getty - Contributor

Women are at their most attractive to men at this age, according to dating site OkCupid.

Sounds like the ­perfect excuse to get flirty.

Age 25

MAKE FRIENDS

You will be your most sociable at this age
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You will be your most sociable at this ageCredit: Getty - Contributor

As we get older, our social circle tends to get smaller.

University researchers who analysed the phone records of 3.2million people found this is the age of “peak friendship”.

Age 28

DO A MARATHON

In your 20s and thinking of running the marathon? 28 is the perfect age
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In your 20s and thinking of running the marathon? 28 is the perfect ageCredit: Getty - Contributor

Studies show this age is the sweet spot to run the marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

Even so, finishing times show 55-year-old runners can go as quick as some 18-year-olds.

Age 29

BUY FIRST HOME

Whilst 29 is the best age to purchase a home, we can't guarantee rising house prices will work in your favour
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Whilst 29 is the best age to purchase a home, we can't guarantee rising house prices will work in your favourCredit: Getty - Contributor

Those who purchase their first home at this age can expect to move to a family-sized property at 36, pay off the mortgage at 61 and look forward to a stress-free retirement – plus a decent nest egg for the children.

The findings appeared in a recent report by HSBC.

Age 30

MARRY

Marry at this age if you intend on having a successful partnership
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Marry at this age if you intend on having a successful partnershipCredit: Alamy

Couples who tie the knot between the ages of 28 and 32 are the least likely to get divorced in the first five years of marriage, according to research in the US.

Age 34

GIVE BIRTH

Have a child at this age for a stress-free birth say experts
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Have a child at this age for a stress-free birth say expertsCredit: Alamy

Women who are this age have the least complications while in labour.

The Royal College of Obstetricians says the ideal age for childbearing is between 20 and 35.

Age 35

WRITE A NOVEL

Hold-off writing that novel before turning 35, your best work is yet to come
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Hold-off writing that novel before turning 35, your best work is yet to comeCredit: Getty - Contributor

They say everyone has novel in them waiting to get out – but according to best-selling author Joanna Trollope, good fiction writing comes after life has “knocked you about a bit.”

She reckons writers of this age and over produce their best work.

Age 40

PROMOTION

If you're in your late thirties, your next promotion could be round the corner
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If you're in your late thirties, your next promotion could be round the cornerCredit: Getty - Contributor

The average age for Nobel Prize winners is 40, and research suggests this age is when we tend to do our best work.

Maybe it’s time for a ­promotion or career change?

Age 50

COUNTDOWN

Not a fan of numbers? You may be surprised when you reach your 50s
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Not a fan of numbers? You may be surprised when you reach your 50sCredit: Getty - Contributor

Our arithmetic skills are at their best as we start our sixth decade according to researchers.

So you’re sure to be at your best for the numbers round on TV’s Countdown.

Age 64

DOWNSIZE

Move into that bungalow by the sea you've always dreamed of
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Move into that bungalow by the sea you've always dreamed ofCredit: iStockphoto - Getty

At this age, you are still young enough to enjoy the benefits of moving to a smaller property and chances are you won’t need financial help from ­relatives, a poll found.

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Age 66

HAVE GREAT SEX

Is your love-life feeling lack-lustre? Well, you just wait until you turn 66
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Is your love-life feeling lack-lustre? Well, you just wait until you turn 66Credit: Alamy

A recent survey of 5,000 single people by the dating website Match.com found that women have their best sex at this age.

For men, the best time is at the age of 64.

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