Understanding the Terminology for Older Adults
The way society refers to people in their advanced years has evolved significantly, moving from clinical, generic labels to more respectful and personalized language. While a 75-year-old fits into the broader category of 'senior citizen' or 'older adult,' the specific, decades-based classifications offer a more technical lens. Understanding this terminology is important for communication and for recognizing the diversity within the aging population.
The Formal Decades-Based System
For centuries, people have used Latin-derived terms to classify individuals by the decade of their age. A 75-year-old is squarely within the 70s decade, and the formal term for this group is septuagenarian. These terms are not typically used in everyday conversation but are common in formal writing, gerontology, and other academic contexts. Here is a numbered list of the most common decade-based classifications:
- Septuagenarian: A person in their 70s (ages 70-79).
- Sexagenarian: A person in their 60s (ages 60-69).
- Octogenarian: A person in their 80s (ages 80-89).
- Nonagenarian: A person in their 90s (ages 90-99).
- Centenarian: A person aged 100 or older.
The Shift Towards Common and Respectful Alternatives
In daily conversation, formal decade-based terms are often seen as stuffy or clinical. The trend in modern society, especially within health and wellness, is to use more general and respectful titles. The most common alternatives include:
- Senior Citizen: A widely recognized term, often associated with eligibility for discounts or social programs, such as Medicare, which begins at age 65.
- Senior or Older Adult: These are the most common and generally accepted terms. Many gerontologists and medical professionals favor 'older adult' because it emphasizes the individual's personhood rather than defining them by age.
- Elder: This term can carry a tone of deep respect and wisdom, especially within certain cultural contexts, but should be used thoughtfully.
Some individuals find any age-based label, regardless of intent, to be limiting and prefer not to be identified by their age at all. Personal preference is paramount when addressing someone.
Gerontological Subgroupings
Within the field of gerontology, researchers often create more specific age brackets to study different life stages. For a 75-year-old, these classifications offer additional context about their health, independence, and care needs. For example, some classifications group individuals into:
- Middle-Old (75–84 years): In this stage, individuals may require some assistance with daily tasks, differentiating them from the younger, typically more independent 'young-old'.
- Late Elderly (over 75): This grouping is used to discuss individuals potentially facing greater physical and social challenges.
These distinctions are for academic and medical purposes and should not be used to define an individual's capabilities. A person's health and vitality can vary wildly regardless of their chronological age.
Comparison of Terminology
To better understand the different ways a 75-year-old can be described, consider the following comparison table:
| Category | Term | Context | General Perception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal | Septuagenarian | Academic, medical, formal writing | Often seen as technical or antiquated. |
| Common | Senior Citizen | Social programs, discounts, general speech | Widely understood, but can be viewed as impersonal. |
| Preferred | Older Adult | Healthcare, respectful communication | Empathetic, person-centered, and broad. |
| Gerontology | Middle-Old / Late Elderly | Research, clinical settings | Clinical, used for statistical grouping, not individual identity. |
The Power of Person-First Language
Choosing the right language is a powerful way to show respect. The move toward person-first language in healthcare and beyond is designed to highlight the individual before their condition or age. For instance, referring to someone as 'a person with advanced age' rather than 'an elderly person' can make a subtle but meaningful difference. The key is to recognize that a 75-year-old is a unique individual with a lifetime of experience, not just a label.
Navigating Conversation with Respect
When speaking with or about a person in this age group, the most respectful approach is to use their name. If a more general term is necessary, use 'senior' or 'older adult' unless you know a specific preference. By focusing on the person, you avoid generalizations and acknowledge their individuality. The diversity within the 70s is immense, with many people remaining active, engaged, and full of life, completely defying any stereotypes associated with older age.
For more information on the broader context of aging and health, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides valuable resources on topics like healthy aging and the global shift in demographics, which can be found at https://www.who.int/health-topics/healthy-ageing.
Conclusion: The Answer is More Than a Word
While the direct answer to what are 75 year olds called is 'septuagenarian,' the best answer is one that emphasizes respect and individuality. In most situations, using a person's name or a polite, general term like 'senior' or 'older adult' is the most appropriate course of action. Understanding the formal, common, and clinical terms gives you a more comprehensive view of the landscape of aging, but a person-first approach should always guide your interactions. Embracing this nuanced perspective is central to promoting healthy aging and respectful communication in our society.
