A recent study reveals that perceptions of when old age begins are changing, with individuals delaying the age at which they consider themselves or others to be “old” — pushing up to 75.
The shift has been noted across generations, with those born after 1935 pushing back the age they define as old. People used to believe that “old age” begins at 65, when Americans often retire and the age they need to reach to receive Social Security payments from the federal government.
“Life expectancy has increased, which might contribute to a later perceived onset of old age,” study author Dr. Markus Wettstein from Humboldt University in Germany said in a media release.
“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,” he said, according to the study.
The research, involving over 14,000 participants from the ongoing German Ageing Survey, was published in the journal Psychology and Aging.
People in their mid-60s have viewed 75 as the onset of old age. However, this viewpoint has evolved, influenced by longer lifespans and changes in retirement age. In Germany, for example, the retirement age is gradually increasing to 67 by 2031, which may contribute to new perceptions of what constitutes old age.
Researchers from Germany and the United States conducted the study to understand how the definition of “old age” varies across different birth groups, ranging from those born in 1911 to 1974. They discovered that while there was a significant difference in perception between the earliest and middle cohorts, perceptions did not vary much among those born between 1936 and 1974.
Interestingly, the study also uncovered demographic distinctions in perceptions of old age. Women, on average, considered old age to begin two-and-a-half years later than men. This gender gap has widened among younger generations.
The findings suggest that the trend of postponing the onset of old age has accelerated in recent decades, though it may be reaching a plateau due to a slowdown in increases in life expectancy.
“The trend toward postponing old age is not linear and might not necessarily continue in the future,” Dr. Wettstein said.
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