Legal Status: Beyond the Age of Majority
Legally, a person is considered an adult once they reach the "age of majority," which is 18 in most U.S. states. This grants them the right to vote, enter contracts, and make their own medical and financial decisions. This status does not expire or diminish with age. A person of 70, 80, or 90 still retains these same fundamental adult rights.
Elder law is a specialized field that addresses the legal issues affecting older adults, from estate planning to protection against abuse and discrimination. These laws reinforce, rather than replace, an older person's status as a legal adult. They are designed to protect their rights and well-being, especially as they may become more vulnerable to certain forms of exploitation.
Key aspects of legal rights for senior adults include:
- Right to Exercise Civil Rights: Seniors have the same civil rights as other adults, including freedom from discrimination and the right to make personal choices about their care and services.
- Financial Autonomy: Older adults have the right to manage their own financial affairs. Legal tools like powers of attorney are used to designate a trusted person to manage finances only when the older adult chooses to do so.
- Healthcare Decision-Making: Seniors retain the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including refusing treatment, and can create advance directives to ensure their wishes are followed if they become incapacitated.
- Protection Against Discrimination: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects people aged 40 and over from age-based discrimination in the workplace.
Social Perceptions: Challenging "Othering" and Ageism
While the legal definition is clear, social perceptions are often more complicated. Ageism—prejudice or discrimination based on age—is a pervasive problem that can implicitly or explicitly strip older adults of their perceived status as capable adults. Societal stereotypes often portray seniors as either frail and incompetent or, in a more benevolent but still patronizing way, as "dear but doddering".
In many Western cultures, these negative attitudes can lead to a phenomenon known as "stereotype threat," where an older person’s fear of confirming negative age stereotypes can actually undermine their performance on cognitive or physical tasks. By contrast, cultures that revere their elders often see less of this cognitive decline. Organizations like the National Institute on Aging advocate for the use of person-first language, such as "older adults," to combat these ingrained biases and emphasize personhood.
Generational cohorts and attitudes toward aging
Recent research highlights how different generations approach aging based on their lived experiences. Older generations, who grew up with limited protections, may have different views on retirement and financial planning than the Baby Boomer cohort, who are reshaping the perception of later life. The experiences of LGBT+ seniors, who came of age facing legal and social discrimination, also vary significantly and have prompted unique challenges and opportunities in care and support systems.
Psychological Development in Later Adulthood
From a psychological perspective, later adulthood is not a period of inevitable decline but a stage with its own developmental tasks and opportunities. Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory frames this period as a conflict between "integrity versus despair," where older adults reflect on their lives to find a sense of satisfaction and wholeness.
Contrary to disproven theories suggesting a mutual withdrawal from society, many older adults actively seek new opportunities and remain socially engaged, a concept supported by "activity theory". Studies show that many seniors maintain or even increase their happiness later in life, often prioritizing emotionally meaningful relationships with family and friends.
- Cognitive Function: While some cognitive changes are normal, such as slower processing, older adults maintain and strengthen crystallized intelligence—their accumulated knowledge and experience. Learning new skills is still very possible.
- Social Connections: Strong social connections are crucial for health in later life. Friendships often become more selective and deeply valued, providing significant emotional support.
- Productivity and Purpose: Many older adults remain productive through paid work, volunteering, continued education, or creative pursuits. These activities contribute significantly to their sense of self and overall well-being.
Financial Realities for Older Adults
While many people associate retirement with financial stability, the financial realities for seniors are complex and varied. The fixed-income nature of retirement can make seniors particularly vulnerable to rising costs, especially for healthcare. Poverty rates among older adults vary significantly by age, gender, and race, with women and people of color facing higher rates of economic insecurity.
Financial comparison: Seniors vs. Other Adults (A snapshot)
| Factor | General Adults (All ages) | Older Adults (65+) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Income | Earnings from employment | Social Security, pensions, savings, investments |
| Poverty Rate (US, 2022) | Varies widely | ~10-14%, depending on the measure |
| Income Fluctuation | Prone to changes in the job market and career path | More fixed, sensitive to cost-of-living increases, and dependent on prudent financial planning |
| Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs | Covered by employer or private insurance premiums | Often higher, impacting financial stability, though Medicare helps |
| Accumulated Wealth | In the process of accumulating assets | Relies heavily on savings accumulated over a lifetime |
Conclusion
To answer the question, "Are seniors considered adults?", the answer is definitively yes. Adulthood is not a temporary phase that ends when a person becomes a senior. An older person is a legal adult with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. The question's complexity stems from pervasive societal ageism that can diminish the public perception of seniors' capabilities and worth. Recognizing that seniors are adults—with diverse experiences, vibrant social lives, and evolving psychological journeys—is critical. Respecting their autonomy and combating negative stereotypes benefits not only older adults but society as a whole by valuing the contributions and wisdom of every individual, regardless of their age.
Key resources like the Eldercare Locator and local Area Agencies on Aging exist to help older adults and their families find essential services and navigate the challenges of aging with dignity.
Authoritative Link
For more information on combating age bias in language, consult the guidelines published by the National Institute on Aging: Don't call me “old”: Avoiding ageism when writing about aging.
Resources for Older Adults
- Eldercare Locator: Connects older Americans and their caregivers with local services.
- National Council on Aging (NCOA): Offers a range of resources on economic security and healthy aging.
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): Provides local resources and support programs for seniors.
- AARP: A nonprofit advocating for the 50+ community.
The Psychology of Respect
Treating seniors with respect means recognizing their continued dignity and autonomy. It involves listening to their stories and valuing their wisdom, which validates their lifetime of experience. Respectful communication, avoiding condescending tones, and including seniors in decision-making are vital. Furthermore, empathy and patience are crucial for navigating potential health challenges, and promoting independence whenever possible is key to honoring their personhood.
