How Old Would You Say Someone “ Elderly “ Is?

[RabbitsRock]

I was shocked to read a review online that described ladies in their 50s or 60s as elderly! It wasn’t possible to comment otherwise I would have posted a stiff objection! I would say late 70s or into the 80s is more like it! I’m 58 & definitely wouldn’t describe myself as elderly!

75+

80+ probably?

Certainly not 50s or 60s.

When I worked for the NHS it was approximately 65+ but with the caveat that it’s not a definitive distinction because people age at different rates. So these days I would base it on not only age but someone’s state of health as well.

80+. 50s is middle-aged. Nowadays I'd say most people in their 60s are still working, active, coping reasonably well with everyday life and in moderately good health, so arguably still middle-aged. (I'm in my 60s which may be influencing me!)

Perhaps the writer meant 'older'. (Being charitable.)

At least 70+, for most people probably nearer 80+. Definitely not 50s and 60s - my Db is 67 and absolutely not elderly.

On here, anything from 50 upwards, it sometimes seems, especially on present suggestion threads and 'how do I deal with my mum' threads.

'Maybe she would like a lovely scarf.'
'Erm, not really, no.'

'Does she like to spend her days sitting in the garden, OP, and look at the birds? Would she like a lovely bird feeder.'
'Erm, no. She spends most of her time at work running a large NHS department.'

'You have to remember, OP, that as people get older sometimes they have aches and pains and their eyesight goes and they get get grumpy and might she have dementia? How old is she?'
'Erm, she's 50. Her youngest's in primary school '

etc.

I'd say 70+ however both of my patents died in their late 50s so I'm hyper aware of aging and feel like I'm in my elderly era even though I'm late 30s 😔

If you're my DF anyone older than him (he is 93 )

75 plus.
I'm 65 and fitter than I've ever been

The same as the age you go from "falling over" and people laughing, to "had a fall" and people look concerned. I'd say 70s.

80+ as a general sweeping statement, but I can think of people in their 50s with an ‘elderly’ outlook (esp some people with health problems or those who gave up work early), and on the other hand I had a great-uncle who was incredibly sprightly until he suddenly dropped dead at 95.

Over 70

80 plus

I'd say it very much depends on the individual.

My mil is in her late sixties, but acts and looks quite elderly.

Depends on the person. My mum is 75 and not 'elderly'. My step dad is 73 and 'elderly'.

I’m a nurse on an elderly ward and admissions to use are taken from 65 so I guess that’s your answer, we do still get some younger though depending on frailty

65+

I’m 32 and would say 75+

😁 my DGM was the same at 96!! Still young and gorgeous!

Well my mum is 85 and will not be referred to as elderly. Once or twice I've got away with saying 'well now you're getting a little bit older...'
In my book, old is always twenty years older than you are.

85+

75+

My DGM ( who was 86 at the time) refused to wear a dress that my mother had bought her because it was for , in her words ‘old people’.