From 'Sexagenarian' to 'Older Adult': A Changing Lexicon
While the specific Latin-derived term for a person in their sixties is a sexagenarian, this word is rarely heard outside of academic or literary contexts. In contemporary society, how we refer to those aged 65 has shifted significantly, moving away from labels that can be seen as outdated or pejorative. The focus has moved toward more respectful and person-centered language, acknowledging the vast diversity within this age group.
The Rise of Person-First Language
Medical, academic, and journalistic style guides have increasingly adopted person-first language to promote dignity and avoid ageist stereotypes. Instead of broad, impersonal terms, the preference is to use neutral, descriptive phrases that emphasize the person rather than their age category. This is similar to moving from phrases like "the disabled" to "people with disabilities."
Preferred Modern Terminology
- Older adult: This is a widely recommended term by organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). It is respectful, avoids negative connotations, and recognizes that individuals aged 65+ are a diverse group with a wide range of abilities and health statuses.
- Person aged 65 and older: For studies or contexts requiring specific demographic data, being precise is best. This avoids making generalizations and provides clarity.
- Retiree: This term focuses on a life stage rather than chronological age. Many people retire around 65, and this term reflects a significant life event. However, it's important to note that a growing number of people continue to work past 65, so it's not universally applicable.
Terms to Approach with Caution
Certain older terms, while still in use, are falling out of favor due to negative connotations or their tendency to stereotype.
Declining Terminology
- Senior citizen: Although still common, many older adults dislike this label, perceiving it as dated or alienating. Its historical use in relation to benefits and discounts can feel like it puts individuals into a separate, patronized class.
- Elderly: This term is one of the most disliked by older adults and is discouraged by major style guides. It often implies frailty, decline, and dependency, which does not accurately represent the active, healthy lives of many 65-year-olds today.
- Golden-ager: This term is considered outdated and can sound patronizing, as it attempts to paint a overly rosy picture of later life, often ignoring individual struggles.
How Age Impacts Society and Benefits
At age 65, a person often reaches several key social and financial milestones, which is why this age is a focal point for many benefits and programs.
Key 65-year-old milestones
- Medicare Eligibility: In the United States, age 65 is the standard eligibility age for Medicare, the federal health insurance program. This milestone is one of the primary reasons this age is so often mentioned in discussions of senior benefits.
- Social Security: While early retirement benefits can be claimed earlier, the "full retirement age" for Social Security was 65 for many years before being gradually raised. For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is now 67, but turning 65 is still a significant landmark for financial planning.
- Retirement Planning: The age of 65 is traditionally associated with retirement, and many financial and lifestyle plans center around this time. However, people are working longer, and retirement is often a more flexible and phased process now than in the past.
The Broader Context of Aging
It's crucial to recognize that aging is not a monolithic experience. There are vast differences between a 65-year-old and an 85-year-old, or even between two 65-year-olds. Factors like health status, financial security, and social connections create significant diversity within the 65+ demographic. Therefore, the most respectful approach is to use precise, respectful language that avoids broad generalizations.
Why Terminology Matters for Healthy Aging
The words we use can influence perceptions, both in society and within individuals themselves. Using respectful, age-inclusive language helps combat ageism, which can have tangible negative effects on older adults' health and well-being. Conversely, embracing positive language can foster a more optimistic view of aging and encourage a focus on healthy, active living.
| Term | Connotation | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| Older Adult | Neutral, inclusive, respectful | Recommended by medical/journalistic guides |
| Sexagenarian | Clinical, academic | Rarely used in general conversation |
| Senior Citizen | Outdated, potentially alienating | Still common for discounts but declining in formal use |
| Elderly | Negative, implying frailty | Discouraged by experts |
| Retiree | Neutral, life-stage focused | Used to describe employment status |
For further information on age-inclusive communication, explore resources from authoritative sources. For example, the Gerontological Society of America offers extensive guidelines on language and terminology to use when discussing aging and older adults.
Conclusion: Respectful and Evolving Language
Ultimately, there is no single "correct" answer to the question, "what is a 65 year old person called?" While a scientific term exists in sexagenarian, modern best practices favor person-first language like "older adult" or specifying their age directly. The evolving vocabulary reflects a growing societal awareness of ageism and a desire to use language that is both accurate and respectful of the diversity within the aging population. Embracing inclusive language is not just a matter of semantics but a crucial step toward fostering a more respectful and equitable society for all ages.
