Unveiling the Sexagenarian: The Answer to Your Question
While terms like "senior citizen" or "retiree" are common, they are broader categories. The precise, and often lesser-known, collective name for 60 year olds (specifically those aged 60 to 69) is sexagenarian. Derived from the Latin word sexagēnārius, meaning "sixty each," this word provides a specific and formal way to refer to individuals within this particular decade of life.
Other Latin-Based Age Descriptors
Understanding the term sexagenarian is easier when you see it within the context of other similar, decade-specific terms. These words share a common linguistic structure and can be a fun way to describe different stages of life.
- Denarian: A person between 10 and 19 years old.
- Vicenarian: A person between 20 and 29 years old.
- Tricenarian: A person between 30 and 39 years old.
- Quadragenarian: A person between 40 and 49 years old.
- Quinquagenarian: A person between 50 and 59 years old.
- Septuagenarian: A person between 70 and 79 years old.
- Octogenarian: A person between 80 and 89 years old.
- Nonagenarian: A person between 90 and 99 years old.
- Centenarian: A person between 100 and 109 years old.
Why Are We So Unfamiliar With These Terms?
Despite their linguistic precision, most people don't use these Latin-based names in daily conversation. This lack of use is due to a number of factors. Many of the terms are considered overly formal or even stuffy. Furthermore, society's perception of aging has shifted dramatically. Where decades once defined strict social roles, modern life sees sixty-year-olds as active, engaged members of society, often with diverse lifestyles that defy a single, neat label. For example, a 62-year-old marathon runner and a 68-year-old recent retiree may both be sexagenarians, but the label does little to describe their individual realities.
Instead, society has gravitated toward broader, more context-driven terms such as "seniors," "retirees," or generational labels like "Baby Boomers" and "Generation Jones". The choice of terminology often depends on the specific context—whether for marketing, legal purposes, or casual conversation—rather than a single, formal collective noun.
Modern Alternatives to Traditional Age Terms
In contemporary culture, referring to individuals in their sixties is typically done using more accessible language. Here's a comparison of formal and informal terms used to describe this age group.
| Term | Connotation | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexagenarian | Formal, precise, Latin-derived | Medical, academic, linguistic | A study on cognitive function in sexagenarian volunteers. |
| Person in their sixties | Neutral, descriptive, common | Everyday conversation | "I met a person in their sixties who just started a new business." |
| Senior | Broad, respectful | Marketing, institutional | "Discounts for seniors are available on Tuesdays." |
| Baby Boomer | Generational, historical | Demographics, social commentary | "The Baby Boomer generation is redefining retirement." |
| Generation Jones | Subset of Baby Boomers | Sociological, specific | The Generation Jones group is often called the 'silent minority'. |
| Older Adult | Neutral, clinical | Healthcare, research | A physical therapy program designed for older adults. |
| Elder | Respectful, culturally specific | Ceremonial, family-based | "The village elder shared stories of the past." |
Healthy Aging in Your Sixties and Beyond
The sixties are a decade of significant transition and opportunity. Many individuals are retiring, exploring new passions, and focusing on wellness. Healthy aging during this period involves a holistic approach that includes physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connection. Staying engaged in these areas can lead to a longer, more fulfilling life.
The Importance of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain vitality and independence in later years. It can include a variety of activities, from aerobic exercise like walking or swimming to strength training and balance exercises. For example, staying active helps maintain muscle mass, increases bone density, and improves balance, significantly reducing the risk of falls.
Cognitive Engagement for a Sharp Mind
Contrary to old stereotypes, the brain remains highly adaptable throughout life. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help maintain or even improve cognitive function. This could involve learning a new language, taking up a new hobby like quilting, or playing strategic games. Research from the National Institute on Aging suggests that sustained engagement in novel, cognitively demanding activities can enhance memory function.
Cultivating Strong Social Connections
Social isolation is a significant risk factor for various health problems in older adults, including depression and dementia. Staying socially engaged, whether through family relationships, community involvement, or hobbies, provides a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Studies show that people who participate in social and leisure activities have a lower risk of certain health issues. This can be as simple as joining a book club or volunteering for a local cause.
Redefining the 'Senior' Label
The term sexagenarian might be a linguistic curiosity, but the broader conversation around naming age groups highlights a more important shift: the redefining of what it means to be an older adult. Modern six-year-olds often possess significant life experience, wisdom, and resilience. They are not slowing down but rather shifting their focus to new and meaningful pursuits. This shift is reflected in the language we use, moving away from rigid, decade-based identifiers and toward terms that emphasize vitality, purpose, and continued engagement in life. It's a reminder that age is just a number, and the true measure of a person lies in their actions and contributions, not a collective noun.
For more information on healthy aging, see the resources provided by the National Institute on Aging.
Conclusion
While the formal answer to "What is the collective name for 60 year olds?" is sexagenarian, this term is rarely used outside of academic or highly formal contexts. In everyday conversation, more descriptive and widely understood terms like "people in their sixties" or generational labels are preferred. This preference reflects a modern understanding of aging that focuses on individual experiences and continued vitality rather than relying on a single, outdated collective noun. The sixties are a dynamic and diverse decade, and the best way to describe this age group is by acknowledging their unique contributions and active lives.
