Rethinking Old Age in Modern Britain
The perception of what constitutes 'old age' is in a constant state of flux, driven by societal and demographic changes. For decades, 65 was the traditional marker, largely due to its association with the state retirement pension. However, with the State Pension age rising—set to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028—and people living longer, healthier lives, a more nuanced understanding has emerged. Being 70 today is a vastly different experience than it was just a few decades ago, with many seventy-year-olds enjoying active, fulfilling lives and still contributing significantly to society.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has actively explored this topic, suggesting that age 70 could be seen as the 'new 65' based on remaining life expectancy (RLE) and health statistics. This perspective-based measure of ageing considers the number of years a person has left to live, rather than just their chronological age. This forward-looking view offers a more relevant benchmark for planning and policy-making in an increasingly long-lived society.
Shifting Metrics: From Chronology to Remaining Life
Traditional chronological age is becoming less reliable as the sole indicator of health and vitality. A person's health at age 70 today often compares favorably to the health of someone in their mid-sixties in previous decades. This phenomenon is driven by several factors, including better healthcare, advanced medicine, improved living conditions, and healthier lifestyle choices. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) even suggested in 2025 that the '70s are the new 50s' in terms of cognitive capacity, reinforcing this view.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these improvements are not universal. Health inequalities persist, and socioeconomic factors can significantly impact an individual's experience of ageing. While some seventy-year-olds remain robust and active, others may experience declining health and increasing dependence. This highlights the importance of moving beyond a single, fixed definition of 'old' and instead embracing a more holistic view that accounts for individual circumstances.
The Diverse Realities of Being 70 in the UK
The experience of being 70 varies greatly across the UK, influenced by factors such as geography, gender, and financial status. PensionBee research published in April 2024 highlighted regional differences in the perception of 'old age,' with Southerners tending to place the threshold later than Northerners. This may correlate with higher average life expectancies in the South compared to the North.
Furthermore, cultural and media portrayals of ageing often lag behind reality, contributing to negative stereotypes. The political narrative sometimes frames an ageing population as an economic 'crisis,' focusing on state dependency rather than the significant societal contributions made by older individuals through work, volunteering, and caregiving. Challenging these outdated views is essential for fostering a more inclusive and accurate understanding of later life.
Perceptions vs. Reality: Comparing Views on Ageing
To understand the disparity between traditional perceptions and modern realities, we can compare key markers across generations.
| Indicator | Traditional View (Mid-20th Century) | Modern Reality (Early 21st Century) |
|---|---|---|
| Start of Old Age | Around 65, aligned with the traditional state pension age. | Variable, often seen by many as 70-74, based on longer, healthier lives. |
| Life Expectancy | Significantly lower, limiting the number of healthy years in retirement. | Much higher, with life expectancy at 65 extending significantly further than in the past. |
| Health Status at 70 | More likely to be associated with significant health decline and frailty. | Often comparable to someone in their mid-60s or even younger in previous generations, thanks to medical advances. |
| Economic Role | Traditionally retired and dependent on state pensions. | Increasingly includes working past retirement age, volunteering, and supporting family members. |
| Lifestyle | Generally more sedentary and less active. | Increasingly active, with many pursuing new hobbies, travel, and continuing education. |
Conclusion: Age is Just a Number
The question, is 70 old in the UK, cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It is clear that the concept of old age is evolving. Demographically, people are living longer and healthier, pushing back the age at which decline traditionally begins. Societally, outdated perceptions are being challenged by the active lives led by many seventy-year-olds, who continue to be valuable members of their communities. While health disparities remain, the overall picture is one of increasing longevity and vitality. Ultimately, the modern UK perspective acknowledges that age is becoming less of a numerical and more of a qualitative, individual experience. Instead of viewing 70 as a definitive end-point, it can now be seen as the beginning of a vibrant and active new chapter, full of contributions and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current UK State Pension age? The current State Pension age for both men and women is 66, and it is set to rise gradually from May 2026, reaching 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Is there a legal definition for 'old' age in the UK? No, there is no formal legal definition for what is considered 'old' age in the UK. The concept is largely a social construct that has evolved with increasing life expectancy and changes in societal norms.
How has life expectancy changed in the UK? Life expectancy has increased significantly over the last century due to better healthcare and living conditions. However, the rate of increase has slowed recently, and there were temporary dips during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Do people feel their chronological age in the UK? Research suggests that many people feel younger than their chronological age. A poll indicated that most participants over 40 felt younger, with many seeing their younger selves in the mirror.
What are the main factors driving the change in perception of old age? The main factors include advancements in healthcare, better living and working conditions, declining smoking rates, and rising state pension ages, which all contribute to longer and healthier lives.
Does being 70 impact my career opportunities? While age discrimination is illegal in the UK, research shows that a growing number of people are working past the traditional retirement age. The IMF has even suggested that improved health and cognitive abilities could enable later working lives.
Is there a North-South divide in how 'old' is perceived? Yes, according to 2024 PensionBee research, there is a regional difference, with people in the South of England perceiving old age to begin later (around 70-74) than those in the North (around 60-64).
What is 'remaining life expectancy' and how does it relate to old age? Remaining life expectancy (RLE) is a prospective measure of ageing that defines 'old' age based on the number of years a person is expected to live, rather than their chronological age. The ONS has highlighted this as a potentially more useful metric for modern ageing.
Are there differences in how men and women perceive old age? Yes, a 2024 PensionBee survey found that men and women have different perceptions of old age. On average, men saw 70-74 as the start of old age, while women, who typically live longer, put the age higher at 85-90.
