Content
When does old age begin – with age, at retirement or due to health? There are many criteria
02.10.2024 20:34
The respectable age of a person in society is defined by the phrases "elderly". The definition "old" person is used less often and there are reasons for that.
The thing is that it is not entirely clear when exactly this old age begins.
Let's find out when old age begins and what criteria determine this circumstance.
Definition of Aging
Old age is most accurately determined by chronological age.
At the same time, chronological aging differs from biological aging.
One person can maintain excellent health and lead an active lifestyle even after 60 years, while another at this age complains of illness and constant bad mood.
Medical approach
From a medical point of view, the aging process begins not at 60, but after 30.
Somewhere at this stage, a slowdown in certain processes in the body and in the functioning of organs is observed, the ability of cells to regenerate and the protective functions of the immune system decrease.
Against this background, various diseases develop, including chronic and age-related ones.
That is why doctors call those who experience age-related changes and worsening illnesses elderly.
Retirement age
The generally accepted criterion for determining aging is the age of retirement – 60-65 years.
But in some cases, the end of working activity occurs at 45 years of age.
Therefore, one should not associate the termination of employment with the onset of old age or senility.
Conclusion
To accurately answer the question of when old age begins, it is necessary to take into account social, biological, psychological and even cultural factors.
But it is impossible to say that old age begins at 60-65 years. The reason for this is not only progressive medicine.
Rather, because old age is not an age indicator, but one of the stages of a person’s life.
