What is 60 years of age called?

Oct 4, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Terminology

By age 60, a person can expect to live, on average, for another two decades, and the formal term for someone in this decade is a sexagenarian. This term, rooted in Latin, is part of a series of decade-based labels that offer a deeper understanding of the life stages we experience.

Quick Summary

A person who is 60 years old or in their sixties (60-69) is formally called a sexagenarian, a term derived from Latin. This decade is a significant milestone, often marking a period of reflection, newfound freedoms, and a focus on wellness and personal growth.

Key Points

Formal Name: A person aged 60 to 69 is officially called a sexagenarian, derived from the Latin word for sixty.
Beyond Terminology: Turning 60 signifies a significant life milestone, a new chapter marked by opportunities for personal growth, renewed purpose, and reflection.
Holistic Wellness: Maintaining healthy aging in your sixties involves focusing on physical activity, nutritious eating, and regular health check-ups, as well as mental and social engagement.
Embracing New Horizons: This decade is an excellent time to pursue lifelong learning, travel, hobbies, and volunteer work, leveraging newfound freedom and life experience.
Strategic Planning: Important considerations for sexagenarians include prudent financial management, retirement planning, and updating legal documents like wills.
Positive Aging: Adopting a positive outlook and staying socially connected can enhance overall well-being and combat feelings of loneliness or depression.
Celebrating Wisdom: In many cultures, turning 60 is celebrated as a symbol of wisdom and a life well-lived, a time to honor one's legacy and look forward with anticipation.

The formal term for a 60-year-old

For those curious about the proper name for a person in their sixties, the answer lies in a series of Latin-derived words. The term for someone between the ages of 60 and 69 is a sexagenarian. This follows a consistent pattern that labels individuals based on their decade of life. While these terms are not commonly used in everyday conversation, they are linguistically correct and often appear in formal writing or historical contexts. The prefix sexa- is derived from the Latin word for sixty (sexaginta).

Decoding the '–arian' age classification

The suffix -arian is used to classify people by their decade. Understanding this system provides clarity for a number of age-related terms. This method is particularly useful when discussing formal or medical definitions of age ranges.

Denarian: A person aged 10 to 19.
Vicenarian: A person aged 20 to 29.
Tricenarian: A person aged 30 to 39.
Quadragenarian: A person aged 40 to 49.
Quinquagenarian: A person aged 50 to 59.
Sexagenarian: A person aged 60 to 69.
Septuagenarian: A person aged 70 to 79.
Octogenarian: A person aged 80 to 89.
Nonagenarian: A person aged 90 to 99.
Centenarian: A person aged 100 or more.

Comparing formal vs. informal age terms

While the term sexagenarian is precise, other terms are more commonly used and can be more positive. Choosing the right language can influence how aging is perceived, favoring empowering terms over those that might reinforce negative stereotypes.


Term	Formal Definition	Common Use	Connotation	Example
Sexagenarian	A person aged 60 to 69.	Rare in common speech.	Neutral, formal.	"The report on the economy surveyed sexagenarians."
Older Adult	Broadly, individuals 65 or older, but can include 60s.	Widely used in healthcare and formal contexts.	Respectful, inclusive.	"The seminar focused on wellness for older adults."
Senior Citizen	Varies, but often refers to those 65+.	Common, but can sometimes feel outdated.	Varies by individual, can be neutral or slightly negative.	"Senior citizens receive a discount on tickets."
Retiree	Someone who has retired from their career.	Very common and descriptive of a life stage.	Positive, implies freedom and leisure.	"The group of retirees enjoyed their trip."
Golden-Ager	A person in their later years.	Less common, sometimes perceived as a euphemism.	Often positive, but can be a bit dated.	"Our local community center has a club for golden-agers."

Navigating life as a sexagenarian

Turning 60 is more than a simple change in terminology; it's a significant milestone that brings both challenges and opportunities for a fulfilling life. This period can be a time for reflection, new goals, and a stronger focus on personal wellness.

Prioritizing physical health in your sixties

As the body changes, so do health priorities. A proactive approach is key to maintaining vitality.

Exercise Variety: Incorporate endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises into your weekly routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and strength exercises twice a week.
Healthy Eating: Focus on a nutrient-dense diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods. Proper hydration is also crucial.
Regular Screenings: Schedule routine check-ups and recommended screenings for common issues like cancer, vision problems, and hearing loss.
Medication Review: Bring all medications and supplements to an annual "brown bag checkup" with your doctor or pharmacist to prevent unsafe interactions.
Fall Prevention: Address home hazards and talk to your doctor about strategies to reduce the risk of falls, a common issue for older adults.

Embracing mental and social well-being

Staying engaged mentally and socially is just as important as physical health for a fulfilling life at 60.

Lifelong Learning: Keep your mind sharp by taking up new hobbies, learning a language, or enrolling in educational courses.
Nurture Social Connections: Make new friends and maintain strong relationships with family and loved ones. Social activity helps ward off depression and stress.
Volunteer Work: Giving back to the community through volunteering is a fulfilling way to stay active and connected to others.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate meditation or mindfulness walks to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Plan for the future: Engage in important planning for the future, which can include financial planning, estate updates, and considering long-term care options.

For more detailed information on health guidelines and resources, the National Institute on Aging is an excellent resource: https://www.nia.nih.gov/.

Financial and lifestyle considerations

As many approach or enter retirement in their sixties, financial planning becomes a central theme. Being prepared fiscally can provide a sense of security and allow for new opportunities.

Financial Stability: Consult with a financial advisor to ensure your retirement savings are on track. A common goal is to have six to eleven times your annual salary saved by age 60.
Retirement Planning: Whether you plan to retire completely or transition into a different career, having a clear plan is essential.
Estate Planning: Update your will and estate plans to reflect your current wishes and financial situation.

Conclusion: The vibrant sexagenarian

While the term sexagenarian might sound clinical, turning 60 is a vibrant milestone, not a limitation. It represents the start of a new chapter, rich with opportunities for personal growth, renewed passions, and strengthening relationships. By embracing both the opportunities and challenges of this decade, sexagenarians can define their own narrative for healthy, purposeful living. Ultimately, the focus should be on celebrating a life well-lived and pursuing the next adventure with wisdom and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the term "sexagenarian" is a formal, neutral word derived from Latin. It is not considered derogatory, although it is not commonly used in casual conversation. For respectful, everyday language, terms like "older adult" are often preferred.

A sexagenarian is specifically a person in their sixties (60-69 years old). The term "senior citizen" is broader and more informal, typically referring to individuals who have reached a certain age, often 65 or older, and may be eligible for benefits or discounts. Not all sexagenarians are considered senior citizens, and vice-versa, depending on the context.

Yes, while sexagenarian is the formal term, people in their sixties may also be referred to simply as being "in their sixties." Broader, more descriptive terms like "older adults" or "retirees" (if applicable) are also used.

In many cultures, the 60th birthday is a highly significant milestone. For example, in Japanese tradition, it is known as Kanreki, marking a return to one's birth year in the Chinese zodiac. In Korea, Hwangap is a celebratory banquet honoring longevity.

Common health challenges for people in their sixties include increased risks for certain cancers, potential hearing or vision loss, a slower metabolism, and an increased risk of heart disease. Regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and proactive medical care are important for managing these risks.

To maintain cognitive health, it is recommended to stay mentally active by reading, learning new skills, or taking courses. Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet are also known to increase blood flow to the brain and support brain function.

A healthy social life can be maintained by actively nurturing relationships with family and friends, joining clubs or hobby groups, and volunteering in your community. Many senior centers and community organizations offer a variety of activities for older adults.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.