What is the definition of elderly according to the United Nations?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), part of the UN system, the number of people aged 60 and older is projected to double by 2050. Addressing this demographic shift requires understanding the core question: What is the definition of elderly according to the United Nations? The answer is based on both chronological age and a broader, more nuanced perspective.

Quick Summary

The United Nations typically uses a chronological age of 60 years or older to define an “older person,” though this can vary by context and specific UN body, sometimes referencing 65+ in line with some national pension systems. This definition recognizes that age is not solely biological but is also shaped by social, economic, and cultural factors.

Key Points

• Age 60 or Older: The United Nations commonly uses a chronological age of 60+ as a general benchmark for defining an “older person,” though this can vary depending on the specific context and UN agency.

• Age 65+ in High-Income Countries: In some cases, particularly when aligning with national pension schemes in more developed nations, the UN may reference 65 years and older for statistical definitions.

• Socio-Cultural Context Matters: The definition is not strictly chronological, acknowledging that cultural norms, family roles, and health status can define old age in different societies.

• Global Demographic Shift: The UN's focus on aging reflects the reality that the worldwide population of older persons is rapidly growing, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

• More Than a Number: The UN's broader approach informs policies and initiatives that address the social, economic, and health-related challenges of population aging.

• Initiatives for Healthy Aging: The UN has developed key policy initiatives like the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the Decade of Healthy Ageing to support the well-being of older people.

Defining 'Older Persons' in a Global Context

Defining the term “elderly” is not a simple task, as its meaning can change significantly depending on cultural context, economic development, and even the specific purpose for which the data is being collected. For global organizations like the United Nations, a clear and consistent definition is necessary for statistical purposes, policymaking, and humanitarian response. The UN's approach acknowledges the limitations of a single, universal age marker while providing a functional guideline that is widely used.

The Chronological Benchmark: 60 or 65?

For statistical and operational purposes, the United Nations generally defines an "older person" or "elderly" as someone aged 60 years or over. However, it is important to note that different UN agencies and related international bodies may use slightly different age thresholds depending on their specific focus. For instance, some reports may use 65 years and older, often to align with common pension eligibility ages in high-income countries. This variation highlights the adaptive nature of the UN's definitions, which are designed to be practical tools rather than rigid, unchangeable rules.

The use of a chronological age, while pragmatic, does not capture the full complexity of the aging experience. For this reason, the UN recognizes that other factors play a significant role in defining what it means to be "elderly."

Beyond Chronological Age: Social and Functional Definitions

The UN's perspective extends beyond a simple number to include broader social and functional dimensions of aging. These factors can significantly influence a person's life and perceived "elderly" status, especially in humanitarian or developing contexts. Key considerations include:

• Social Roles: Alterations in work patterns, such as retirement, or changes in family status, like becoming a grandparent, can define the transition to old age in many cultures.
• Physical and Mental Health: The onset of age-related health conditions, a decline in physical capacity, or changes in appearance can also be used as markers. In settings with lower life expectancies, a person may be considered "older" at a much younger chronological age due to poor health.
• Vulnerability: In emergency situations, such as conflicts or natural disasters, older persons may be identified by their increased vulnerability rather than just their age. This ensures that humanitarian responses can effectively address their specific needs.

Comparison of Definitions

The diversity in how "elderly" is defined can be better understood by comparing different contexts and organizations. The following table illustrates how definitions can vary, even within UN-affiliated or related bodies.

Organization/Context	Typical Age Threshold	Defining Factors Beyond Age
United Nations (general)	60+ or 65+ years	Functional capacity, social roles, vulnerability
High-Income Countries	65+ years	Pension eligibility, retirement age
African Nations (context-dependent)	50 or 55+ years	Low life expectancy, ability to make social contributions
OECD Countries	65+ years	Statistical and policy purposes

This comparison demonstrates that while the UN provides a general framework, the practical application is sensitive to local conditions. For example, a 55-year-old in a region with low life expectancy might be considered older and more in need of specific support than a healthy 65-year-old in a high-income nation.

The Aging World and the UN's Response

The UN's evolving definition is a response to a global reality: the world's population is aging at an unprecedented rate. The number of people aged 60 and over is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. This demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges, and the UN has been at the forefront of shaping the global response. Key initiatives include:

• The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA): Adopted in 2002, this plan aimed to design international policy for the 21st century by calling for changes in attitudes, policies, and practices related to aging.
• The United Nations Principles for Older Persons: Enshrined in 1991, these principles outline 18 entitlements for older persons related to independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, and dignity.
• The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030): Led by the World Health Organization, this initiative is a concerted global effort to foster longer and healthier lives and address ageism.

Conclusion: A Flexible and Multifaceted Definition

Ultimately, what is the definition of elderly according to the United Nations is not a static number but a flexible, multi-dimensional concept. While a chronological age of 60 or 65 often serves as a practical benchmark, the UN’s work consistently demonstrates an understanding that an individual’s experience of aging is influenced by a complex interplay of personal circumstances, health, and socio-economic factors. This holistic perspective is crucial for developing effective, respectful, and equitable policies that genuinely serve the needs of the world’s growing older population.

For more detailed information on global aging trends and the UN's policy initiatives, you can visit the official United Nations Ageing portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official United Nations definition for older persons?

The United Nations uses a chronological age to operationally define an “older person” as being 60 years of age or older. However, this is a flexible definition that is adapted based on specific contexts, such as local life expectancy and economic status.

Does the UN definition of elderly change by country?

Yes, the practical definition can differ significantly between countries. While the UN provides a general guideline, national practices and socio-cultural factors mean that the age threshold and the defining characteristics of an "older person" are not uniform across the globe.

Why does the UN need a definition for the elderly?

The UN requires a consistent definition for statistical purposes, effective policymaking, and humanitarian response planning. A shared framework allows the organization to track demographic trends, allocate resources, and create targeted initiatives to support the global aging population.

What factors besides age does the UN consider when defining an older person?

Beyond chronological age, the UN acknowledges factors such as changing social roles (e.g., retirement or becoming a grandparent), physical health, functional capacity, and increased vulnerability in humanitarian settings.

How does the UN address the challenges of an aging population?

The UN addresses the challenges of population aging through various initiatives, including the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, and the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). These programs focus on policy, health, social support, and combating ageism.

Is the term 'elderly' used by the UN or is 'older person' preferred?

While the term 'elderly' is used in common parlance, UN documents often prefer the more neutral and respectful term 'older person.' This language emphasizes that old age is a normal stage of life, not an inherently negative or frail condition.

What role does the WHO play in the UN's definition of aging?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a key agency within the UN system that focuses on aging and health. It leads the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and provides detailed reports and guidance on the health aspects of population aging, supporting the broader UN definitions and policies.