If you’re wondering when old age is going to start officially, then there’s arguably no one better to ask than those already living their best elderly lives.
Growing old is a natural part of human existence, and yet, it’s not exactly clear when middle age ends and old age begins.
When does old age start?
In a newly published paper in the Psychology and Aging journal, researchers from the United States and Germany analyzed data from the German Ageing Survey. With over 14,000 people born between 1911 and 1974, the team asked: “At what age would you describe someone as old?”
Interestingly, those in their mid-sixties believed old age starts around 75, which told researchers that we push the age limit backward as we approach it.
“Life expectancy has increased, which might contribute to a later perceived onset of old age. Also, some aspects of health have improved over time, so that people of a certain age who were regarded as old in the past may no longer be considered old nowadays,” said study author Dr. Markus Wettstein.
It’s also believed that retirement age plays a factor in what is perceived as old. In Germany, the age of retirement is slated to reach 67 by 2031, while in the US, it’s currently at 66.
However, researchers also think that the perception of old age has changed due to life expectancy increases becoming less frequent.
“The trend toward postponing old age is not linear and might not necessarily continue in the future,” Dr. Wettstein added.
Gender also plays a part
The paper highlighted a range of interesting demographics that suggest the perception of old age goes much deeper than individual opinion. For instance, women considered old age to start two-and-a-half years later than male participants did.
Feeling lonely, having more chronic diseases, worse self-rated health, and geographical location also contributed to attitudes surrounding old age.
After analyzing the data, the researchers suggested that constantly postponing old age could contribute to issues in the near future. If that age bracket continues to get further away, people could become complacent in dealing with age-related health issues.
