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Original poster

To be surprised that 65+ is deemed ‘elderly’

339 replies

Helfs · 09/03/2024 20:03

Off the back of another thread I wanted to see what the actual definition or classification of ‘elderly’ was and I was very surprised to see it defined as 65+

I always thought 80+ as being elderly so this has really surprised me. Especially looking at those I know around the 65-70 mark, they’re fit, healthy, living their best life and do not scream ‘elderly’ if you looked at them.

Personally I’ve always seen it as;
0-1 baby
1-3 toddler
3-13 child
13-19 - teenager
19-25 young adult
25-40 - adult
40-55 - Middle Aged

55-80 - old
80+ - elderly

So do you think this definition is fair on those who are 65, should the definition not evolve as life expectancies rise?

OP posts:
Pebbles16 · 09/03/2024 20:12

I think this changes as retirement age moves up. I don't think you can be considered 'old' whilst you are still working (no matter how knackered you might feel)
So perhaps adult/middle age are very blurred. Middle age is statistically much younger than any of us like to state

MarchmontSt · 09/03/2024 20:12

I'm 57. I don't think I'm old. I guess I am but I don't feel any different to I did at 40.

Original poster
Helfs · 09/03/2024 20:11

NotCute · 09/03/2024 20:09

65 is late middle age/early old age.

Middle age being 45-65.

65-75 is early old age.
75-85 is old age.
85 onwards is advanced old age

Late middle aged? The oldest person in the world wouldn’t have even been middle aged at 65!

OP posts:
Original poster
Helfs · 09/03/2024 20:11

KindredGift · 09/03/2024 20:06

I think 55 is a bit too young to be old. 65 more like it. (She says, a few years off 55.)

Old will always be a few years older than you are i guess Grin

OP posts:
MassageForLife · 09/03/2024 20:10

StarlightLime · 09/03/2024 20:07

I wouldn't call 40 middle aged, or 55 old.

Life expectancy in the UK is 80, so 40 is bang on middle aged.

ditalini · 09/03/2024 20:10

I always thought elderly was just a naicer way of saying old tbh.

Myotheripodisayoto · 09/03/2024 20:10

I don't know i think I'd say something changes for a lot of people around 75. That was the age both my father and fil started seeming SO much older and more frail, more health issues, slower recovery times despite both having always been very healthy. They are more tired and cope less well with the children.

XenoBitch · 09/03/2024 20:10

DM is 66 and is offended at being called elderly. She still works, is very active, and other than the odd joint pain, has not physical health issues.
But then I know people the same age who look about 80 due to their decline in health.

NotCute · 09/03/2024 20:09

65 is late middle age/early old age.

Middle age being 45-65.

65-75 is early old age.
75-85 is old age.
85 onwards is advanced old age

Beginningless · 09/03/2024 20:08

I’d never say - ‘see that old person over there’ about a 55yr old. I kinda think old and elderly are similar and begin about 70 in my mind.

Isseywith3witchycats · 09/03/2024 20:07

Im 67 my OH (68) and i go to live rock gigs go round the country in the summer on a large American cruiser motorbike, go to motorbike rallies , club nights and i still work part time i definitely dont consider my self old

StarlightLime · 09/03/2024 20:07

I wouldn't call 40 middle aged, or 55 old.

KindredGift · 09/03/2024 20:06

I think 55 is a bit too young to be old. 65 more like it. (She says, a few years off 55.)

Peekaboobo · 09/03/2024 20:04

I agree with your list.

I'd say 65 was old and 80 was elderly