When do you officially become elderly? There are a variety of opinions . In the United States, someone is considered elderly when they turn 65. The Social Security Administration states that persons over 65 are legally considered senior citizens.
When your hair turns silver, does that make you elderly? Medical professionals may describe a fragile, incapacitated patient of 80 or older as elderly.
What if you decide to never retire, or what if a 65+ year-old is very fit. Are people like this considered elderly? There is really no standard answer.
The word elderly is often associated with frailty, poor balance, and deterioration to the point where someone may not be capable of self-care. They’ve become dependent on others to assist them with the activities of daily living.
The concept of old age is changing. Searching the web, you’ll find videos about older adults participating in sports, lifting weights, and extending their professional careers well past 65, many of whom advise against retirement.
Older adults who exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and eat healthy, slow down their aging process. They are in better shape than their counterparts who don’t practice good health habits.
I think a good way to define elderly is frailty. Someone can be frail at 65 or at 85. It depends, and it’s relative to lifestyle and genetics. The saying ‘age is just a number’ is close to the truth.
If you’re not exercising, get busy. Exercise will help decelerate unwanted signs that you’re getting older.
Get in touch with me when you’re ready to start.
Irene Pastore Fitness.com 