The ashramas or stages of life

The Sanathana Dharma talks of four Ashramas or "Stages of Life".

The first , from birth to about the age of 25 years is called Brahmacharya , where one is a student , and celibate .

The Second is called Gruhastha , from the age of 25 to about 50 , when the individual marries , begets children , and leads the life of the house holder , aspiring to the four Purusharthas ( already mentioned ) .

The third stage is called Vanaprastha ( literally means proceeding to the forest ) from the age of 50 to 75 , but is symbolically taken as an instruction to the householder to complete his duties towards his family , see his children married and well settled in life , and then gradually give up attachment to worldly things , and along with one's spouse lead a philosophical detached life , of simple living and high thinking .

The last stage is called Sanyasa ( to become a renunciate , or sage ) ,between the ages of 75 to 100 .
This is where , one renounces the world completely , and becomes absorbed in meditation , prayer and spiritual pursuits , in preparation for the final departure.
Even within a possible extended or joint family, one is prepared to live alone , physically and mentally , if one outlives one's spouse , which is inevitable for one of them .

Hinduism being a practical religion , does not contemplate renunciation and spritual pursuits from day one for all .
Instead , it contemplates the above four stages of practical life for the vast majority , and renunciation at a young age only for the miniscule few who are clearly beyond doubt born thus inclined .