Aging looks different for everyone, yet a common question families and older adults ask is, “What age is considered elderly?” Some people feel active and independent well into their seventies and beyond, while others begin thinking about health, lifestyle, or support needs much earlier. With so many definitions from healthcare providers, government programs, and society in general, it can be confusing to know when someone is truly considered “elderly,” and what that means for healthy aging.
At What Age Are You Officially “Elderly?”
The truth is that there is no official age that magically makes someone “elderly.” In fact, how individuals, government entities, nonprofit organizations, and public health officials define “old age” can vary significantly.
Some individuals may start feeling the effects of aging as early as their 40s, while others still feel young at heart well into their 80s; no two people age the same, after all. That said, most government institutions define “senior” as either 60 (according to the Older Americans Act) or 65 (when most people can apply for Medicare, a common full retirement age for Social Security benefits, what the U.S. Census Bureau defines “older adult” as, etc.).
Non-government organizations also have various definitions of “old.” Many independent living communities, for example, are 55+ only. Many of the age-related perks for AARP, on the other hand, usually start at age 50.
In the end, these various classifications all speak to the fact that there is no universal chronological age for when someone officially becomes “elderly.” Instead, what matters is knowing more about personal health choices, risks, and what resources are available to seniors and their families to help promote healthy aging.
Common Classifications of Older Age Groups
Some go even further than simply classifying someone as “older,” dividing older adults into even more specific age ranges like:
- Young-old: 65 to 74 years of age
- Middle-old: 75 to 84 years of age
- Oldest-old: 85 years of age or older
65 to 74 Age Group
This age group is when most individual, government entities, and nonprofit organizations consider people to be seniors.
While every person is unique and ages differently, it is common for people in this demographic to experience changes like:
- Higher risk of new or worsening health conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Gradual loss of hearing, with one in three people in this age group experiencing some form of age-related hearing loss
- Partial or total loss of vision
- Some slight slowing of cognitive abilities
- Some weight gain due to slowing metabolism and potential issues with mobility
- Changes to balance and stability, especially for postmenopausal women
Just because these and other health concerns are common with this age group does not mean they are inevitable or unmanageable, however. Ways that people in this age group can support healthy aging include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Enjoying a healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough physical activity (as appropriate for the individual)
- Keeping an eye on any potential health issue
- Not skipping doctor’s appointments
- Quitting smoking, if applicable
- Reducing alcohol consumption, if applicable
- Socializing regularly to lower risk of dementia and mental illness like depression
- Considering downsizing to reduce maintenance and upkeep costs
- Making safety modifications to the home to prevent falls and make daily life easier
- Exploring legal documents like power of attorney and living wills to make wishes for medical care, long-term care, and end-of-life care services known
75 to 84 Age Group
As people reach age 75, they may be more likely to “slow down” and need some help with activities of daily living (ADLs), like dressing and showering. Specifically, people in this age group may be more likely to experience effects of aging like:
- Heightened risk of falls due to decreasing bone density and muscle loss
- Hearing loss, with half of people aged 75 or older experiencing it
- Vision loss, with people aged 80+ making up 69% of all U.S. citizens with low vision or blindness
- Decrease in immune function
Older people in this group can work together with their loved ones, caregivers, and healthcare providers to create a senior care plan that promotes overall well-being. These plans may include:
- Working out with balance, strength, and cardio exercises (as appropriate for the individual)
- Transitioning to senior living, such as moving into an assisted living community
- Finding the right treatment for age-related hearing loss
- Exploring fall interventions, if not explored already
- Staying up to date with all vaccinations
- Prioritizing mental health, however that may look for the individual
85+ Age Group
People 85 years old or older are those who most individuals and organizations consider to be “very old,” and they are the fastest-growing age group in the United States as life expectancy increases.
These people are more likely, compared to younger age groups, to experience health concerns like:
- Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)-related complications
- Rates of falls, hospitalizations from falls, and deaths from falls
- Rates and deaths from cancers, with prominent cancers being lung cancer for elderly men and women, breast cancer for elderly women, and prostate cancer for elderly men
- Cognitive impairment, such as that seen with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
Health initiatives at this age are focused less on longevity and more on overall quality of life. These initiatives might include social engagement or arts and crafts.
How Senior Living Communities Support Different Age Groups
At Avista Senior Living, we know that not everyone ages the same way, which is why we offer a wide range of senior living services that are customized to meet the needs of each and every resident that enters our doors. From regularly scheduled social events for our assisted living residents to dignified memory care programming, the Avista team works each day to create a place your loved one can call home, where they are treated with the kindness they deserve.
FAQs
What are the three levels of old age?
Some experts divide “old age“ into three categories:
- Youngest-old: 65 to 74 years of age
- Middle-old: 75 to 84 years of age
- Oldest-old: 85 years of age or older
What age qualifies someone as a senior citizen?
When someone is considered a senior citizen can vary widely, depending on who is asking. Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, for example, typically offer benefits for “older adults” at age 65. AARP, meanwhile, sets eligibility for senior benefits at age 50.
What is geriatric medicine?
Geriatric medicine is the area of healthcare concerned with medical care for older adults, which many healthcare entities define as 65+ years of age.
What age is considered elderly?
There is no single age that is universally considered elderly. Although, a commonly accepted chronological age that is considered “old age” is typically 65. While everyone ages differently, understanding how age groups are defined can help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions about wellness, housing, and long-term care planning.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each individual’s health situation is unique. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance related to their personal health concerns.