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.

I am 65 and definitely don't see myself as elderly! I had a FWB 10 years younger than me until fairly recently (couple of months before lockdown) so that helps

I’m an ICU nurse and when I’m getting a handover they’ll be like “cardiac arrest, 20 minutes downtime...” and if it’s someone in their 60’s I’m always a bit “ooh that’s young!”

My kids made me laugh at Christmas, when they started talking about me moving to be nearer one of them (I live in a remote village 30 miles from them) so that they could 'help look after me'.

I'm 59...

So the younger you are, the earlier 'elderly' starts, and then it kind of edges back until it's always five years older than YOU are...

I also agree with some PP that elderly is more of a description of someone who should have additional support. Either by letting them have your seat, standing patiently as they count out their change or offering to clear the snow off their drive. You have some fit and healthy 70+ still going on holiday enjoying a g+t or you have some that only leave the house if they need too.

My mum is 65 and in bad health - I wouldn’t say she’s elderly but I think I’d be describing her as elderly in 5 years time. My neighbour is a spirited 76-79 year old running errands for others, jam packed social calendar/volunteers and loves a party.

Has elderly just replaced OAP?

Im 62 and would also suggest 80+.

In fact I really do believe that age is only a number.

State pension age

" we no longer refer to people as elderly as it's seen as a loaded term. The term we use is 'older adults'."

And then older adults will become a loaded term.
Older adult is quite confusing because for the rest of us it sound like someone in their 50s.

I don’t believe it’s the term any more but a first time mother over 35 used to be classed as “elderly primagravida”!

80+ these days

Over 65 when it comes to prescribing

Otherwise, it varies so much from person to person. My great grandma lived to almost 99 and did her own gardening until she was 96.

You're elderly when your view on being elderly is constantly "about 10 years older than me".

My initial thought was over 70. However, my grandfather is 84, a frequent gym-goer (not since lockdown of course) and today cycled 22 miles. I think he'd be pretty offended to be described as "elderly".

Blimey! I'm 68 and certainly don't think of myself as either old or elderly!

60+

My mum is in her early 70s. She's as fit as a fiddle and works as a volunteer for 3 organisations and is quite youthful still - most of her friends are in their 50s. She'd be mortified to be considered elderly but I guess in an official statistic scenario she would be.

It's abit of an odd one I suppose;My neighbour who's mid 80's is still as fit as a fiddle and is out in his garden most sunny days doing gardening/DIY etc,he thinks nothing of getting his ladders out and up on his roof.

My best friends mum is in her late 60's and in appalling health;she seems really fragile and even my friend said she doesn't think her mum will make it to 75

My DGM is 95 and told me about some elderly folk the last time I saw her. She does have dementia though.

My DM and DMIL are in their late 60’s and not what I would call elderly. DFIL is late 70’s and may be perceived as elderly by others if he is having a bit of a slow walking day.

80 plus

I mainly just came on here to check no one was saying 50 plus, then became offended at the 60 instead :-).

It's a tricky one, I'd probably go with 80 plus but really, it's such a generalisation.

73 here & way off being elderly , aiming to go past 100 if I can stay away from the idiots going out & spreading the Corona Virus around the country. My neighbour is elderly at 93.

I am nearly 76.I do not consider myself elderly.Until this blasted virus crawled out of it's ugly hole I was independent
By that I mean doing my own shopping cleaning and cooking.Now I am not allowed out to the shops because I am classed as vulnerable.I do have a condition which could be fatal if I catch this virus.So at the moment I am like a caged animal and relying on family for shopping.Much to my DS's disgust I have declined a food parcel as I have plenty of family doing my shopping so am very lucky.
I can remember my grandmother, who died at the age I am now being elderly.She suffered from ill health which confined her to the house for a long time.My grandfather, who was three years older than her, was her carer.He did shopping and saw to all her needs.After her death he lived a full life until he passed away in his sleep at the age of 83.
If I hear of anyone referring to me as elderly they will get ''the look''
I can't wait till this is all over and I can see all my family and friends again.

75+
or 65+ with an illness or impairment such that their health and mental state is that of an older person

75+ I'd say. Although my grandfather is almost 78 and I don't think of him as elderly at all because of how able bodied and independent he is.

I think it’s when your health starts failing in an age related way, so sadly it comes earlier to those with arthritis or osteoporosis or cv disease.

75 +