What is middle aged?

[Kanfuzed123]

What age do we define as middle age?

i always thought it was around the 45 mark?

but today at work, someone described 35 as middle aged. I wanted to cry into my decaf tea (decaf because it was 3pm and if I have caffeine after 2 I can’t sleep, because I’m ’middle Aged’ (read 35))

*note for context, the crying into my tea, whilst I was drinking tea, the crying bit is lighthearted, I wasn’t actually triggered to the point of tears

I think elderly is 75+!

My mum can do headstands and out plank a 20 Yr old at 60, she would not be described as elderly!!!!

I’d say elderly was 75+

id never describe a 60 year old as elderly. People will be working until 68 soon!

The government deciding to pay pensions to fewer people does not make anyone younger though.

I am 63 and consider myself middle-aged.
I am retired but certainly don't feel elderly. I am lucky to be very healthy though so I am sure that helps.

At the moment I think "elderly" starts at 75, but I might change my mind when I get closer to that age!

I wouldn't say 35 is middle aged. I'm 40s so I am. Took a bit of mental readjustment!

Different organisations seem to have different criteria for what constitutes it.

Don't worry about it, you're just the age you are.

What a weird comment. On what planet is 35 - or 36 middle aged?

I explained my reasoning in a previous post above last night.

60 isn't elderly in the generally accepted definition of the word. Most people would understand it to mean approaching the end phase of life with increasing frailty and infirmity. Most healthy 60 year olds don't fit that description at all. I'm a couple of years off that and still as fit as I was in my 30s with no serious health problems. I find it hard to believe I will be hobbling around using a stick in two years time!

@shieldmaiden7

I used to think over 60 was elderly when I was younger but my dad is 78, his mates are 78 and just turned 80. They surf every day (he would Christmas Day if my mother wouldn't hit the roof) and in a band. He walks around in hoodies and baggy jeans most of the time and genuinely is a dude.

You must surely realise that most people (just about to turn 80) are not like this? Many are infirm, and have health issues - some of them have multiple health issues. I think saying 60 is elderly is a bit bonkers, and IMO when you are elderly - it's when you reach 70. And 80 (which your dad almost is,) is well into the 'elderly' years.

I don't know why some people get so uptight about this. What's wrong with being old/elderly? (And saying someone is old or elderly.) It's not a crime, or a bad thing to be old or elderly! (Or point out that someone is.) Why do some people get so salty about this?

.

40s

I sincerely hope you are not hobbling round on a stick in 2 years time, but nothing is a given. You don't know what's around the corner. I know a number of people in their 50s who were as fit as a butcher's dog, who went downhill VERY quickly with some ailment or illness, that pretty much changed their life.

I am nearly 60 and absolutely consider myself as a senior (not elderly yet,) but certainly not middle aged! How many 126 year old women do you know?

I'm 45 and don't feel middle aged although technically yes.

I definitely don't consider over 60 ever. Christ I'll be working until I'm 67.

Apparently 38+ is middle aged
(Which seems madness to me)

I think 45-70 is middle aged
70+ elderly

I'm 53 and class myself as middle age.

70 is middle aged?! 😂

How many 140 year old people have you ever known?

I prefer the idea that middle age always starts at 10 years older than whatever age I happen to be!

I intend to remain a spring chicken in spirit even if the body refuses to cooperate

Golden years - I like that

I think it makes more sense to define middle age as the middle of your adult years as the years up to age 20 are spent growing your body to prime maturity.

So taking the midpoint of the ages 20 to 80 would mean middle age beginning at age 50. Which makes more sense to me as people in their 40s are still pretty young.

40+

Middle aged is always ten years older than I am at present. I have yet to teach it.

I'm 56.

I admitted it/accepted it at 45!

60 is not elderly! Elderly is over 80

Now that we know that aging happens at two key points, at 44 and at 60, it makes sense that middle age is in between those two points.

I'm with you there!