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!

I'd say personally, if we're talking in good health, from 80 given the big changes in culture, healthcare and work in recent decades that have allowed people better health longer. However in healthcare it can go down to 55 IME (elderly mental health due to the issues involved including early onset dementia). That seemed very unfair to me but it would only be temporary and not many under 65s or even under 70s came through. It was about grouping patients together in the best way possible for temporary management rather than categorising the person though if that makes sense. Staff certainly didn't see 50 or 60 somethings as elderly, just unlucky.

75+

I've worded that terribly, hope it makes sense!

90+

Anyone who is 10+ years older than me at any given time. (I'm 72) 😁

At least 80 usually. Would find it a very weird thing call someone in their 50s or 60s, unless trying to be offensive (or maybe funny?). Would be like calling a 35 year old a child.

65+. It's just an age though. Obviously a lot of people will be fit and healthy at that age but they're still an older person. It's not offensive term but some people seem to think if it as one

Elderly is a crazy title for bloody fifty year olds! I agree that elderly is probably about 75 odd.

'An Older person' is fine. 'Elderly' implies to most people that an older person is frail obviously fading - and I do take exception to that. I am 72

Which is pretty worrying given that state retirement age is 67.

I'm 61, still work full time, head of dept, run twice a week, have a 16yo at home. I don't regard myself as 'elderly. The idea of living in a 55+ retirement village is ludicrous, I'd rather drill my own teeth.

Elderly to me is when someone loses mobility, has a snooze in the afternoon and needs help with filling in forms.

StolenChanel ·
65+

How very dare you! I am 65!!!!

Ooops! Make that 64!!!

I think it depends on the person. Our neighbour two doors down is 87, he is a keen runner and cyclist, does yoga, he recently went climbing with his great granddaughter. My mums in her 60’s, shes physically fit, runs, swims, weight lifts and paddleboards.

Where as her sister is 71, can’t walk, has poor dexterity and is struggling to generally be independent and handle selfcare.

That easily happens! I had to recently good ‘how old am i’ and I’m only in my thirties, I’ll have no chance in a few years.

🤣

What is the term for the opposite of "elderly"?

I'm racking my brains for just one similar word.

Youngish ?

Once you cross into your 60s , you are elderly, no matter you like that or not. How you feel and what to present yourself, is another matter. But there are no proven guarantees that all people survive their 60s.

There are many natural deaths in the millions , people dying in their sleep once they reach that age.

"Youngly" maybe 😊But do you see what I mean? There is one slightly derogatory term for those beyond a certain age, but nothing similar (that I can think of!) for those who are NOT "elderly". So the label sticks.

As a pp said, to me elderly is someone 10+ years older than me and I'm 67 so have the label anyway according to NHS. I hate it.

https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/annual-deaths-by-age

Pension age.

My parents don't seem elderly yet and they're early 70s

I would say 80+ for someone in good health. That's the age I noticed relatives started to struggle a bit and started needing support from wider family.

10 years older than I am at any given time.

I would say that ‘elderly’ is 10-15 years older than me.