A Person-First Approach to Defining Older Adults
For the National Institute on Aging (NIA), defining an "older adult" isn't simply about a single, fixed age. While the benchmark of 65 is commonly used for statistical and research purposes, the NIA, as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), advocates for a more nuanced, respectful, and person-centered approach. The core of their philosophy is to move away from rigid, potentially stereotyping labels and toward more descriptive and accurate language.
The NIA and NIH style guides prefer the term "older adults" over outdated and potentially demeaning terms such as "the elderly," "senior citizens," or "the aged." This preference is rooted in affirming the agency and personhood of individuals, recognizing that aging is a diverse process. The guidance emphasizes that the word "adult" validates the person's identity, regardless of age. This shift in terminology is part of a broader effort to combat ageism, which the NIA notes can have serious implications for health and quality of life.
The Nuance of Chronological vs. Biological Age
One of the most important distinctions in the NIA's perspective is the difference between chronological age (how many years you have lived) and biological age (the physiological state of your body). The NIA's research acknowledges that aging is not a uniform experience. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health mean that a person who is chronologically 65 might be biologically younger or older than another individual of the same age.
This is why, while 65 is a common reference point, the NIA encourages researchers and communicators to be more specific whenever possible. Instead of broadly referring to "older adults," it is more precise to use a specific age range, such as "people aged 65 to 74 years" or "individuals over 85". This level of specificity is critical for accurate research findings and for preventing the lumping of a very diverse population into a single, monolithic group.
Why Terminology Matters
The choice of words used to describe older populations is not merely a matter of political correctness; it has real-world consequences. Ageism, defined as discrimination based on age, has been linked to poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and other negative effects. By promoting respectful language, the NIA aims to shift public perception and foster a more positive and inclusive view of aging.
The NIA's blog highlights that many issues affecting older adults also affect younger populations, and using inclusive language reminds everyone that aging is a universal experience. Their guidelines also caution against terms like "aging well" or "successful aging," which can imply a right and wrong way to age, placing unnecessary responsibility on the individual and ignoring external factors.
Research Categories for Older Adults
In the context of clinical research, especially within the National Institutes of Health, older adults may be further categorized to study specific health issues and interventions. These age-based sub-groups help researchers better understand the varying health needs and responses to treatment across the lifespan. A common breakdown in gerontology and related fields includes:
- Youngest-old: Typically defined as ages 65–74
- Middle-old: Generally ages 75–84
- Oldest-old: Individuals aged 85 and older
This segmentation allows for more focused research on the specific health challenges and demographic trends of each group. For instance, the oldest-old population is the fastest-growing segment of older adults and often has a greater prevalence of multiple chronic conditions.
Comparison of NIA vs. Other Definitions of Older Adults
It's important to recognize that the NIA's definition is not universal. Other organizations may use different age thresholds based on their specific missions or regulatory requirements. A comparison helps illustrate why context is key when discussing older adults.
| Attribute | National Institute on Aging (NIA) | Centers for Disease Control (CDC) | World Health Organization (WHO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Definition | People aged 65 or older. | People aged 60 or older. | People aged 60 or older. |
| Terminology | Prefers "older adults"; avoids "elderly," "senior citizens". | Prefers "older adults"; avoids "elderly," "senior citizens". | Uses "older persons"; also defines subcategories. |
| Flexibility | Encourages specificity with age ranges (e.g., 65-74) for research accuracy. | Variable definitions depending on program or study requirements. | Defines sub-groups like "younger old" (60-74) and "oldest old" (85+). |
| Focus | Research, biological changes of aging, healthy aging interventions. | Public health surveillance and monitoring, disease prevention. | Global health policy, population-level trends, and social aspects of aging. |
This table demonstrates that while organizations may use different starting points for defining older adulthood, there is a general move toward more specific and person-centric language.
NIA's "Inclusion Across the Lifespan" Policy
The NIA's approach is further formalized by the NIH's "Inclusion Across the Lifespan" policy, which was implemented to ensure that NIH-funded research includes people of all ages. This policy aims to counteract the historical exclusion of older adults from clinical trials, which often occurred due to arbitrary age cutoffs or exclusion criteria like comorbidities.
The policy mandates that researchers justify any exclusion of age groups and ensures that older adults are adequately represented in studies. This is particularly important because older populations often bear the highest burden of the diseases being studied and have unique physiological responses that need to be understood. This policy solidifies the NIA's commitment to viewing aging as a comprehensive process that requires study across the entire human lifespan.
Conclusion: Beyond a Number
In summary, the National Institute on Aging's definition of older adults is far more than a simple age cutoff. While 65 years is a widely accepted benchmark, the NIA's guidance emphasizes the use of respectful, precise language that affirms personhood and avoids ageism. By promoting the use of "older adults" and encouraging specificity in age ranges for research, the NIA helps ensure that this growing and diverse population is treated with respect and included in the scientific progress that aims to improve health for all ages.
For more information on the NIH's policies and guidelines, you can visit their official resources on age-inclusive language. Understanding and applying this nuanced approach is a key step toward fostering a more inclusive and accurate dialogue about aging in our society.
Visit the NIH Style Guide for more information on age-inclusive terminology
