At what age would you describe someone as ‘elderly’?

[surferjet]

Chatting with a friend yesterday & she described her parents as ‘elderly’, even though they’re only early 70’s.
I know 70 isn’t young, but I’d describe anyone over 80 as elderly.
Maybe it’s anyone over 65?

75 but very dependent on health.

Surely you can't be elderly before you get your State Pension, which is currently around 65 for both men and women. Your bus pass is available when you reach State pension age.

No - one has given any rational explanation of why a group of people over 60 need to be classified by a local authority as "elderly"

Local authorities and health authorities need to identify the demographics of their customers and that includes age. My local authority hands out bus passes at 60 ; Scotrail will sell you a senior person's rail card at £60; the local art house cinemas knock a £1 off if you are over 60, etc, etc. Other local and national benefits and entitlements kick in at other ages. What purpose is achieved by calling a group "elderly" which is not achieved by referring to "over 60/ 65+" etc.

I don’t think the state pension is a good indication of being elderly- the way this government is going you’ll have to be 90 before you can claim it!

MargueritaPink

On the news last night ( BBC1 ) the reporter described a group of refugees as ‘women, children & the elderly’
The word ‘elderly’ is used by many people in lots of different situations - it’s a term used to politely describe an old person.
When someone becomes ‘old’ in the eyes of society, was my question - from this thread it is anything from 60+

You seem to have a real issue with the word ‘elderly’ & I’m not really sure why?

Yes, I suppose so but represent I can't see you would be elderly under 65. Anyway we all know people in their 70s and above who are very active so it varies from person to person.