Thirty-three is the new 21 it seems, or is that 50?

Because, having studied the attitudes of 2,000 adults aged from 20 to 60, researchers at Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, came to the conclusion that 33 is the average age by when most of us lose that oh-so-endearing 'it's all about me' attitude.

Those under 33 are most likely to admit to being very selfish - with 40 per cent saying that they put themselves first in all circumstances.

But by 33, we've begin to consider others' feelings more, made more of an effort with parents and grandparents and started to patch up feuds with family and friends. In fact the only way in which the young remain more selfless is in volunteering for charity work, where they excel.

Twenty-one was perhaps traditionally the point when maturity was considered to begin, but different cultures and periods of history have assigned very different ages for its beginning. Nowadays there is much talk about teenager-like dads desperate to 'outstreet' their children in cringeworthy displays of matiness, but by 33 most of us our now busy worrying about childcare, checking up on elderly relatives and running the kids' taxi service.

We're also more likely to keep an eye out for neighbours, as well as give up seats to elderly people on public transport, when we aren't shackled by coolness, that is. We'll probably also be more involved in the community and willing to donate money to good causes.

Most people agree that having children is the turning point in changing our attitudes towards other people, but others found meeting their partner or buying a house as the point at which they started to put others first more often and become just a little more considerate.

However, young people shine still - as they always have. A full forty per cent of this age group regularly volunteer for charity or their community - higher by far than any other age group.

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK is a charity which grants wishes to youngsters fighting a life-threatening illness. Spokeswoman Emma Cronin said: 'It's never too early to put other people before yourself.'