What Age is Elderly?

L

Lon

Well-known Member
Location
Central California
OK I am 80 years old, but don't really feel that the term applies to me. Elderly some how just does not describe me. When I think of elderly I really think of some one older than myself and considerably less mobile and active. I don't think of elderly folks walking 18 holes of golf, playing water volleyball etc.

Your thoughts?
 

If I had to pick an age out of thin air I'd probably say 80. But then I've known people in their 90's that I wouldn't even call elderly. And I've known people in their 50's that I would call elderly. It all depends.
 
We never want to think we are part of that group. I still don't think I've reached middle age, yet, I will happily take those senior discounts when offered. Term senior when applied to discount :eek:wned:. Yet, what's the official age for that, sometimes I can't get those discounts as I'm not official. Sigh. LOL

But my body is elderly in some ways in some ways, very youthful and ready to party hardy mostly from the seated position though.

But for an official definition it starts somewhere at 69-71 from one source But then the World Health Organization says 65 is the defining term, doesn't mean one is necessarily old it's just a term to describe a chronological stage in life.

http://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/ageingdefnolder/en/

Interesting reading

http://www.npr.org/2013/03/12/174124992/an-age-old-problem-who-is-elderly

Basically, it just seems to be more of a vanity thing as to how we view the title. Some view being referred to as an elder as a respectful thing others find it offensive, the fact is, we are older, we aren't younger than we were 50 years ago no matter how we label it. Sometimes I cringe at certain titles sometimes it makes me smile, but, like I said, call me what you will if a discount or freebie follows the term, call me the b word and I will be the biggest baddest proudest B you like. :bigwink:
 
AprilT said:
We never want to think we are part of that group. I still don't think I've reached middle age, yet, I will happily take those senior discounts when offered. Term senior when applied to discount :eek:wned:. Yet, what's the official age for that, sometimes I can't get those discounts as I'm not official. Sigh. LOL

But my body is elderly in some ways in some ways, very youthful and ready to party hardy mostly from the seated position though.

But for an official definition it starts somewhere at 69-71 from one source But then the World Health Organization says 65 is the defining term, doesn't mean one is necessarily old it's just a term to describe a chronological stage in life.

http://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/ageingdefnolder/en/

Interesting reading

http://www.npr.org/2013/03/12/174124992/an-age-old-problem-who-is-elderly

Basically, it just seems to be more of a vanity thing as to how we view the title. Some view being referred to as an elder as a respectful thing others find it offensive, the fact is, we are older, we aren't younger than we were 50 years ago no matter how we label it. Sometimes I cringe at certain titles sometimes it makes me smile, but, like I said, call me what you will if a discount or freebie follows the term, call me the b word and I will be the biggest baddest proudest B you like. :bigwink:
Click to expand...

In the UK we are called OAP's (old age pensioners). I don't mind. Got my OAP bus pass, my OAP gym discount, my OAP ferry pass and train discount.
 
That is a question that has no answer.

retirement-old-age-retirement-elderly-old_man-careers-retire-33330654_low.jpg
 
When I was young, I probably thought elderly was 60. Now that I'm in my sixties, and in fairly good health, I've had a change of heart. I usually use the term elderly, when an older person is also sickly, frail, walker, oxygen mask, etc. I remember holding the door for an elderly woman, and she might have not been past her seventies.

I agree with the others, the older we get, the further away old age gets. Isn't 70, the new 50? :eek:ld:
 
60, 70, 80...they are all just numbers....your are as old or young as you feel or want to be...baring any health issues...I am 69 and I have more energy than most 40 year old's...I go to places that they say I am suppose to enjoy myself and I look around and I know I don't belong there, these people are too old for me to hang around with...I hang with younger people and my grand kids and great grand kids...they all keep me young...
 
2245cookie said:
60, 70, 80...they are all just numbers....your are as old or young as you feel or want to be...baring any health issues...I am 69 and I have more energy than most 40 year old's...I go to places that they say I am suppose to enjoy myself and I look around and I know I don't belong there, these people are too old for me to hang around with...I hang with younger people and my grand kids and great grand kids...they all keep me young...
Click to expand...

Cool! I feel the same! I'm 62 and fit and healthy and definitely not ready for a rocking chair!
 
Well I have a few health issues with my back, but I'm still very young in body and mind...well perhaps not body so much lol...I'm 60 next year and even my much young staff at work can't keep up with my energy ...this is me... taken in the summer


975864e1-5866-4f66-9443-604e6b224a82_zps7a58e512.jpg
 
I remember when my father was 40 and I was 12, I thought he was so ancient he couldn't possibly survive much longer,:D he managed another 43 years!
 
My wife and I are 70 and we have her 94 year young mother living with us..Not sure which of us is "elderly" !!
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top