Age of elderly
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Understanding the Definition and Implications of "Elderly"
Conventional Definition of Elderly: Chronological Age
The term "elderly" has traditionally been defined as individuals aged 65 years and older. This age group is further divided into subcategories: "early elderly" (65-74 years) and "late elderly" (75 years and older)1. This conventional definition is widely used in various countries, including Japan, the United States, and several European nations, where the elderly population constitutes a significant portion of the demographic2.
Sub-Divisions Within the Elderly Population
Young-Old, Old-Old, and Oldest-Old
For research and healthcare purposes, the elderly population is often subdivided into three categories: the "young-old" (65-74 years), the "old-old" (75-84 years), and the "oldest-old" (85 years and older)2 3. These distinctions are crucial as they help in understanding the varying health needs and social implications for each subgroup. For instance, the prevalence of frailty and disability increases significantly with age, with the oldest-old experiencing the highest rates of health-related issues2.
Health and Social Implications
Health Status and Disability
The health status of the elderly varies widely across different age groups. Studies have shown that the ability to perform daily activities declines with age, with a marked increase in disability rates among those aged 85 and older2. However, it is also noted that people are generally healthier at advanced ages today compared to previous generations, delaying the onset of age-related disabilities2.
Socio-Economic and Residential Changes
Aging is associated with various biological, social, and economic changes. These changes include shifts in family dynamics, economic status, and living arrangements. For example, the "empty nest" stage and residential changes are significant aspects of life for those aged 65 and older3. Understanding these changes is essential for developing policies and services that cater to the needs of the elderly population.
Subjective Age and Perceptions
Discrepancies in Subjective Age
Interestingly, many older adults perceive themselves to be younger than their chronological age. A study found that both middle-aged (44-64 years) and older adults (65 years and older) reported feeling younger than their actual age and desired to be younger4. This perception of age can influence their attitudes towards aging and their overall well-being.
Challenges in Defining and Addressing Elderly Needs
Variability in Health and Well-Being
The health and well-being of the elderly are not uniform across all individuals. Some studies suggest that the "old-old" can be as healthy or even healthier than the "young-old" in certain respects, challenging the utility of simple age-based groupings5. This variability necessitates a more nuanced approach to healthcare and social services for the elderly.
Pharmacotherapy and Age
The definition of "elderly" also impacts pharmacotherapeutic decisions. There is a noted underutilization of medications in elderly patients, partly due to age biases in prescribing practices. The absence of a comprehensive definition of "elderly" complicates these decisions, highlighting the need for more objective criteria in clinical guidelines9.
Conclusion
The definition of "elderly" as individuals aged 65 and older is widely accepted but comes with various subcategories to address the diverse needs within this age group. Understanding the health, social, and economic implications of aging is crucial for developing effective policies and services. As the elderly population continues to grow, a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to defining and addressing their needs will be essential for fostering a successful and inclusive society.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Reviewing the definition of “elderly”
The definition of "elderly" should be reviewed based on comprehensive evidence from social, cultural, and medical sciences, rather than a chronological age of 65 years old.
Literature Review
Highly CitedAging, disability, and frailty: implications for universal design.
Universal design in the built environment is crucial for addressing the increasing number of older, frail elders, as frailty and disability rates increase with age.
Highly CitedAgeing: Age-Related Change in Later Life.
The ageing population in England and Wales is a crucial policy issue, affecting biological, psychological, socio-economic, and residential changes, with implications for health and social services.
Subjective Age and Its Correlates Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Middle-aged and older adults have different perceptions of their own age and old age, requiring separate research and practical attention.
Observational StudyThe health status of the 'old-old': a reconsideration.
The 'old-old' in rural Minnesota are comparable to and sometimes better off than the 'young-old', challenging the universal applicability of age groupings among the elderly.
Promoting theory of mind in older adults: does age play a role?
Theory of Mind training benefits both young and old adults equally, with age not moderating the positive effects of this training on complex-mental states.
RCTOn the origins of ageism among older and younger adults
Ageism in younger adults can be reduced by changing death concepts and improving self-worth for older adults through social connections and addressing age stereotypes in TV programs.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedEpilepsy in elderly people
Epilepsy diagnosis and management in elderly people face unique challenges, with higher mortality rates and a need for improved clinical studies to address these issues.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPharmacotherapy in the ageing patient: The impact of age per se (A review)
Old age influences pharmacotherapeutic decision-making, but a comprehensive definition of 'elderly' is needed to improve clinical recommendations based on objective factors affecting medication effectiveness and safety.
Systematic ReviewStereotyping of the Elderly
Young children can accurately perceive age differences and have negative stereotypes of the elderly, with elderly adults being the least preferred among adult age groups.
Non-RCT