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 know some people in their 70 & even their early 80s who are still essentially middle aged

How can they actually be middle aged though? 😆

Well I’m heading for 60, work full time and cycle 15 miles most days, so I would definitely NOT class myself as elderly

Elderly just means old, it doesn't mean you don't do exercise or work..

My father is 91, and I am 68, so technically I am elderly. But intellectually, I don't think I have slowed down very much. And I still do two exercise classes every week and walk DDog about 4k every weekday. I KNOW that I am getting older with every day that passes, but I am not really less competent to deal with life now than I was 15 years ago.

Elderly, to me is 80's + and a bit frail.

You aren't young or middle aged, you are old. Why do people find it hard to acknowledge? scared of death?

My family have usually reached their 80s before dying during the 20th century, so I think our genetic make up is quite robust. My great grandfather was one of 12 births, and all of them lived to at least 70. Not wealthy, but not poor either; I understand there was enough to eat, even when it wasn't what one might have chosen to eat. Indoor plumbing arrived in the 1950s for my mothers family, but she grew up in a farmhouse mentioned in the Domesday book as an established farm.

In her early 80s my DM refused to wear what she called ‘old lady’ clothes. When she developed dementia and no longer cared, I still wouldn’t buy them for her.

Well, I still prefer the style and beauty threads to most other on MN. Obviously beauty is a vanishing game, but style is perennial and never out of reach if you are genuinely interested in the concept. Remaining interested in what's happening is exciting. A person can be chic, comfortable and OLD.

Although the last exercise of my free will will be to say, do not buy me the cuddly pink version: white, navy, grey or black only, and I don't like the shoulder/hem/whatever of your decision for me. I want to make all my choices until I can't, and then I want my DC to make them.

I think you are elderly when you start regularly eating lunch at the garden centre and when you mooch around the aisles verrry slowly completely unaware of anyone else

65. Nothing to do with health or fitness level.

Maybe the narrative needs to be flipped. Elderly should mean seasoned and experienced.

I'm 47 and hope I'm still sparring and kicking head hight for many years. DF is 79 and walks 7 miles and cycles 3 each day, while working part time in a professional job. If there is a zombie apolocypse, I'd pick him over many unfit, inexperienced younger people, of which there are many.

IMO...

70-90 is elderly. 91+ is very elderly.

That was me in my late 40s. 😂

If 35+ is geriatric then 45+ is elderly IMO.😖

I think it's dependent on where you are in life.
In my late teens, early 20s I thought being 50+ was past it and 60 was ancient. It probably had something to do with women retiring at 60 back then and getting the old age pension...
Now, I think being over 70 is elderly, in general. It depends on the person and what they do with their life.

We have probably all heard of someone in their mid 80s who volunteers..
@Whale80ne my old neighbour volunteered at our local Age Concern day centre until she was well into her 80s. She called the service users 'old dears' and would have given you short shrift if you dared suggest she was anywhere near their age!

Gets harder as you get older! 😁 probably 70+

It depends, some people are frail before their time and others are fit at 80.

Completely depends on the individual.
I'd say definitely no one under 65 and then 65-75 most people will still not be elderly but sadly there will be a few people who are, then 75-85 I'd say most people would be but some people will still be sprightly.. then 85+ I'd say everyone will be elderly at that point.

My uncle is 75 though and fit as a fiddle mentally and physically.. still travelling the world..

My FIL is 83 and he does have some health issue but again still gallivanting across the globe.

My mum is 66 and sadly has deteriorated a lot in the last few years, and I'd have to say she does seem elderly.

It does entirely depends on the person rather than the age I think. I'm only 64 but have cancer-related health issues and probably come across as elderly. I still don't merit the 'have you had a fall recently ' questions in the ED though. I don't have falls. Last time I fell (note - I did not 'have a fall') was about 10 years ago when I slipped and went crashing down on my knee - very painful!

In the nhs older people starts at 65

If you believe my FIL, then elderly people are the people he visits in the care home near him - people in their 80s. He will be 91 this year. He is not elderly - apparently! 😂😂😂

30% older than your current age!😀