Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
Derived from Latin, the formal term for a person in their sixties is a "sexagenarian". This term, however, is just one of several ways to answer the question, "What is 60 years old also called?" depending on the context, from milestone birthdays to anniversaries.
According to the American Geriatrics Society, geriatrics is a medical specialty focused on the unique healthcare needs of older adults. So, **what does it mean when someone says they are geriatric**? The answer depends heavily on the context, as the term has different implications in a clinical setting compared to its informal, conversational use.
In 1909, Dr. Ignatz L. Nascher coined the term 'geriatrics' to define a branch of medicine focused on old age. The name was created intentionally by combining specific Greek root words, establishing a dedicated field for the complexities of senior health.
While the formal term for someone in their fifties is a *quinquagenarian*, most people find this word obscure and rarely use it. For most practical purposes, the best way to address or refer to a 52-year-old is simply as a '52-year-old,' 'a person in their fifties,' or by their name, while avoiding potentially ageist or demeaning slang.
The formal term for a person between 80 and 89 years old is an octogenarian, a word derived from Latin. This article answers the question, **what do they call 80 year olds?**, and explores the broader context of respectful language and the human experience of aging.
Linguistic history is filled with colorful and often unflattering terms for difficult or irritable people, and it's a social reality that such labels have often been gendered. The question of what is a grumpy old lady called opens up a fascinating look at these pejorative descriptors, from historical usage to modern-day conversational idioms.
