Why do puer aeternus traits grow as you age?

Isnt it something you can outgrow by putting the work in? Im 26 and I find mine are getting worse than they were when I was 18, 20, 24 even. I get that it may be because aging means a higher frequency of running into situations where I feel the need to escape responsibility. But that would mean I need to put in more and more work to prop the self up as I age. Its scaring me a lot.