In your opinion, how old is 'elderly'?

[CustardySergeant]

I'm watching BBC news and their report from an ICU in which "most patients are elderly". I think there is quite a difference of opinion on this on MN no doubt related to the age of the poster. I'm just curious and also wonder whether calling someone elderly necessarily has other connotations than simple age.

80+

Elderly depends how old you are. When I was a child anyone in their mid to late 60s onwards was elderly. Now I'd say 80-85+. Being almost 60 of course I'm nowhere near 'elderly'

75+ I'd say

Over 80 to me, my parents' age. I'm mid-50s.

75 plus

I'd probably say over 75

70 plus

Yes, 75+

Was talking to my aunt today, she and my uncle are 75 and in great health, they go to Spain for 3/4 months each Summer. Always out and about. They are self-isolating and delighted they got shopping delivered by Tesco and medicine by community volunteers which I thought was lovely.

70+

70 plus.

I think it depends on age / health and state of mind . My MIL is late 80s but she has been elderly since her late 50s . I’m early 50s and dh is 60 neither of us are elderly or anywhere near it . If I had to stick an age on it I would go for 80 +

80

Depends on the person. I know a 60 year old who still cycles 75 miles a few times a week at a fast pace and takes part in races. Nowhere near elderly.

On average I’d say 80+

75+

Though I know people younger than that, 65+ and because of their physical state and/or attitude I'd class them (those particular individuals) as elderly too.

80+

Elderly isn't an age, specifically. It's a way.

70

80+

80+

To me it depends on individual people

My grandfather is 80 and goes to the gym, cycles, swims, he’s fitter and has better posture than anyone I know and I’m in my late 20s. To me, he is nowhere near ‘elderly’.
My grandmother on the other hand is 73, walks with a stick, is very unwell a lot of the time. She hates moving around, would rather just sit around and sleep in front of the telly. She is elderly to me

80 plus

Yep I'd say these days for most people would be 80+

My mum is mid 70s and would probably give me the death stare from hell if I put her in the "elderly" category so I'd have to say 80+.

Then again my neighbours are 80+ and a damn sight fitter, healthier and more active than a lot of much younger people like me.

I think we're programmed to see our parents as middle-aged however old they really are so "the elderly" must be the age bracket above your parents. So already dead in my case 💀😂.

70+. I shall wear it with pride.