Which age is called the elderly? Examining the multiple definitions

Oct 23, 2025 2 min read •

Gerontology Health social science

According to the United Nations, a person is considered 'older' when they are aged 60 or 65 and older, though definitions vary globally based on cultural norms, economic conditions, and life expectancy. Determining which age is called the elderly is complex, as the term lacks a universal definition and can depend heavily on context. Different organizations, countries, and even medical fields use varying age thresholds, reflecting diverse perspectives on what constitutes older age.

Quick Summary

The age considered 'elderly' depends on the defining organization or context, typically starting at 60 or 65. The concept is complicated by regional differences and the distinction between chronological age and a person's functional abilities. Multiple factors influence the threshold, from access to social benefits to a person's health and lifestyle.

Key Points

No universal age exists: There is no single, globally recognized age that is universally called the elderly; definitions vary significantly by context, culture, and organization.
Age 65 is a common benchmark: In many Western countries, the age of 65 is used as a traditional and legal benchmark, largely due to its association with pension and social security programs like Medicare.
Older adult is the preferred term: Experts and organizations recommend using "older adult" instead of "elderly," as the latter can reinforce stereotypes and generalize a very diverse population.
Functional age is more telling than chronological age: Functional and biological age are often more relevant measures than chronological age.
Global definitions vary greatly: In regions with lower life expectancies, the threshold can be as low as 50 years.
Sub-categories address diversity: Gerontologists subdivide older adults into categories like the "young-old" (65–74) and "oldest-old" (85+).
Definitions impact policies and services: How a society defines its older population affects the distribution of healthcare and social benefits.

The Traditional View: Age 65 and Its Origins

Historically, 65 has been a common benchmark for older adulthood in many Western countries. This age was adopted as a standard for pension plans and later for retirement benefits like Medicare in the U.S.. Many social programs and senior discounts traditionally use 65 as an eligibility age.

Global and Organizational Variations

Various organizations and countries define older age differently:

World Health Organization (WHO): Generally considers 60 and older as older adults, though this can be 50 in areas with lower life expectancies.
United Nations (UN): Uses 60 or 65 and older in its demographic studies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Uses 65 and older for certain health tracking and recommendations.
Commercial Discounts: Ages for senior discounts range widely, sometimes starting as low as 50 or 55.

The Shift to a Multi-faceted Definition of Aging

Experts increasingly advocate for definitions that consider individual health and vitality alongside chronological age.

This includes:

Biological Age: Based on physiological markers.
Functional Age: Assesses ability to perform daily tasks.
Social Age: Reflects social roles.
Psychological Age: Describes emotional and cognitive state.

This broader view leads organizations like the Gerontological Society of America to favor terms like "older adults".

Sub-categorizing the Older Population

Gerontologists often divide older adults into sub-groups.

Comparison of Older Adult Sub-categories


Category	Age Range	Characteristics	Typical Health Needs
Young-Old	65–74 years	Generally active, healthy, and independent; often in retirement but socially engaged.	Focus on preventative care, maintaining active lifestyle, and managing early signs of chronic conditions.
Middle-Old	75–84 years	May begin to experience age-related functional losses; may require some assistance.	Increased focus on managing multiple chronic conditions, fall prevention, and maintaining independence.
Oldest-Old	85+ years	Often experience more significant health issues, frailty, and require more comprehensive care.	High-level care coordination, management of cognitive decline, and support for daily living activities.

Challenges and Criticisms of a Single-Age Definition

Defining "elderly" solely by chronological age can lead to ageism and negative stereotypes. This can result in inappropriate medical treatment or care based on age rather than actual health and capabilities.

Conclusion: Beyond the Number

In conclusion, there is no single, universally agreed-upon age that defines "elderly." While 65 is a common historical and administrative benchmark, it's an arbitrary social construct. A more accurate and helpful approach considers individual health, functional abilities, and social roles. Adopting a nuanced understanding of aging and using terms like "older adults" helps challenge ageism and ensures that support and resources are provided based on individual needs rather than rigid age categories.

External Resource: For more information on aging in the United States, including data and trends, visit the Administration for Community Living's Profile of Older Americans: https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Profile%20of%20OA/ACL_ProfileOlderAmericans2023_508.pdf.

Frequently Asked Questions

The United Nations typically defines an "older person" as an individual aged 60 or 65 and older for demographic analysis.

The term 'elderly' is often discouraged by experts because it can be imprecise, reinforces negative stereotypes, and oversimplifies the diverse experiences of older adults.

Chronological age is the number of years alive. Functional age measures actual capabilities, health, and vitality.

The age for senior citizen discounts is not standardized and varies by business, sometimes starting as low as 50 or 55.

In medical contexts, while 65 is a common benchmark, thresholds can vary, sometimes using 55 or 70 for geriatric patients based on health risks.

Context plays a huge role; definitions vary between countries, especially those with different life expectancies, and also depend on whether the context is medical or for a discount program.

Gerontologists often use sub-categories like the "young-old" (65–74), "middle-old" (75–84), and "oldest-old" (85 and older).

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.