When Does Old Age Begin? People’s Opinions Are Changing.

The public perception of when old age begins is changing, a new study finds. Middle-aged and older adults believe old age begins later in life than their peers did decades ago.

The study included more than 14,000 people who were born between 1911 and 1974. The participants completed surveys up to eight times between 1996 and 2021 when they were between 40 and 100 years old. One of the questions was at what age would you describe someone as old.

The researchers found that those born later in the study cycle chose older start dates. For example, 65-year-olds born in 1956 said old age begins at 74 on average, while those born in 1911 set the start at 71.

The results also showed age, gender, and health status impact people's perceptions. Being older or female-led to higher numbers, while loneliness and health problems led to lower ones. One author says 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.