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!

Definitely above 70. Would assume closer to 80 or sbove

godmum56
no I am OLD.

No you are elderly. You really are.
I’m assuming you are a grandmother (you should be) or a great grandmother.
You claim your pension.
It’s not an insult it’s a fact.
Just like I’m middle aged it’s not an insult it’s a fact.

Absolutely. Elderly means old or ageing. An elder. 65 is the age where NHS considers you elderly/geriatric, as I've said.

It really isn't an insult. Though I think some have taken it to mean frailty and infirmity.

60+

I much prefer the term "Senior", said I, as I try it out loud with an American twang!

It just gives a sense of respect for the experience of life. Seniors in most places are 65+ and I'm 67 and HATE to be called "elderly", muttered as I tie my walking boots for a nearby hike.

Over 80. My parents are mid-70s.

Anything lavender or rose scented especially bath related. Not oil though, deary me no.

I cracked after many years and have started wearing pyjamas, they’re wonderful and I even have some fleece ones for extra cold weather.

I was given slippers for Christmas. I am ‘with it’ however so they are leopard print.

I go to concerts not gigs.

I am usually in bed by 8.30.

85

I think elderly is very much a descriptor. Someone looks elderly if they’re hunched over and in ill health. If someone was 70, and fit as a fiddle, I don’t think anyone would call them elderly. I know 70 year olds that still play tennis and run!

MIL is 76 and not elderly. She is going to retire from working almost full time when she turns 77.

I would say 85 is elderly, if there needs to be an official age.

This definitely this! Also when I’m 80 I will regard 90 as elderly 😂

I'm 52 and definitely feel elderly..when I get out of bed in the mornings I have to mobilise my feet and legs on the edge of the bed before I attempt the stairs! I feel very jealous that my 32 year old lover can bound the stairs like a gazelle.

This is a very emotive post.
What exactly is elderly?
My granny died slightly before her 90th birthday. She was bright and mentally interested in everything.
On old friend died at 93, but was living alone in her house without any "state" support.
My parents died at 86 (father) and nearly 89 (mother) both living at home with no support. When I asked them if I should come home and support them, the answer was "over our dead bodies".
All of the above were fit for their age and interested in their families and general life.
I do not really understand the term "elderly". Perhaps this should be redefined.
What about redefining the the terms "youth" or "young"?
You are born and, at some point, you die.
Might be at birth, or at 20 or 30 or whatever age, nobody knows.

I’m 52 and if anyone dare says “she had a fall” if I ever fall over I will eat them!
Remember when 40 was old - now 70 is my new old and dying over 80 is a good innings
come back in 10 years and those ages will have gone up

I went out for a friend’s 49th birthday celebration the other night & was fed up with my friends all describing themselves as ‘old’ and moaning and groaning about their aches and pains.

Well, surely that suggests it’s not a matter of calendar age? I’m also 52 and just got back from a mountain climb. Not gazelle-like, but fine. A friend of mine the same age did the seven marathons in seven days on seven continents a few months ago.

My dad’s mid 70s and I don’t think of him as elderly. I’ve worked with people in their 60s who describe themselves as too old to do things, and people in their 80s who have more active lives than I do. It’s so subjective. Age UK groups where I live are for people over 55. I was taught to say “older people” rather than elderly but not sure how much difference that makes

My MIL was elderly at 60, FIL probably about 72. My parents are just starting to become elderly at 77/78. I think it’s different person to person.

My aunt just turned 102 and wouldn't appreciate being called elderly.

Depends on the individual in many cases. I know very spritely 80 year olds who are 100% independent, walk several miles a day and keep an amazing garden. I’ve met others who are frail, can’t move much beyond a chair and have carers.

I'd say 80+. Having said that, I've known quite a few physically active, mentally sharp octogenarians who I've never considered "elderly." Equally though, I used to have a male colleague who would bang on about being "old", as if it was some sort of badge of honour, when he was only in his early 50s.
I often found myself thinking he was old and boring and we were the same age! Attitude has a lot to do with it.

Depends entirely on the person. I know some people in their 70 & even their early 80s who are still essentially middle aged. They run, ride horses, go to the gym, work or volunteer, run clubs & societies, teach, take care of their appearance, learn new skills & enjoy new experiences etc etc.

And I also know some people in their late 60s who are elderly. They have few interests outside their homes, gardens & grandchildren and few friends, They complain constantly about their own illnesses & ailments and obsess about those of others. They are basically waiting to die.

Mid to late 70s I’d say. I’d also say it’s quite subjective though. The male side of my family all seem to age and become frail in their late 60s and I would class them as elderly, whereas the women on my dads side of family are all still spring chickens into their 90s and going strong, I think they would be mortified being called elderly.

At 63, it's not me and hard to believe it will be by 70.
I'm the best at technology in the office. Probably the only one who can run a marathon. Can still bite my toenails and was the designated person sent up a tree to rescue a cat the other day.
Dad is 88 and has seemed elderly for about a year and mum, same age is still bloody nippy.
One broken hip could see any of us off though I guess

80's

60s as that when you get the elderly discounts eg free travel, free prescriptions.