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While many assume the age of 65 is the definitive cutoff, the reality is more nuanced. The question of **at what age do you become a geriatric patient?** depends less on your birth year and more on your overall health and complexity of medical needs.
According to the American Geriatrics Society, a person's eligibility for geriatric care is generally not determined by a specific age, but rather by their overall health status, including levels of frailty and the complexity of their medical conditions. Understanding what qualifies as a geriatric patient is crucial for accessing appropriate, person-centered care that addresses the unique needs of older adults.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many older people experience several health conditions at the same time, a defining characteristic that often distinguishes a "geriatric patient" from a general "senior citizen". The primary difference lies in the context: a **senior citizen** is a social or chronological designation, whereas a **geriatric patient** is a medical one, referring to an older adult with complex health needs.
While 65 is often cited due to Medicare eligibility, experts say there is no single age that defines a geriatric patient. Instead, the question, **at what age are you considered a geriatric patient?**, depends on an individual's overall health, functional ability, and specific needs, making the classification highly personal.
