How old is elderly?

In answer to OP’s question

At least 10 years older than oneself.

See above. It isn't near a nursing home but the area we live in is quite often referred to as 'God's waiting room' because of the high percentage of people who retire here.

Here is the sign. I heard a few years ago that it was no longer used. There is still one near us.

We are mixing stereotypes with age brackets

A child, middle aged person or elderly can be fragile, have a fall or perfectly healthy.
It has nothing to do with age, but with each individual

Elderly is always someone else!

I used to laugh when my MiL and I went to visit my mother in the care home. MiL would talk about the 'old folk' in there - many of whom were a good bit younger than she was!

I agree it's ten years older than your current age. Although I think that rule stops after 90 when you start telling everyone "I'm ninety one you know"!

Deja vu
We ve JUST had a very similar thread

It’s when you’re said to have ‘had a fall’, rather than just happening to have fallen over.
Or so I’ve heard, anyway.

‘Elderly’ conjures up that road sign with two old people on sticks, and a ‘Beware, Elderly People’ message. Often seen near a nursing home.

Hope I never look like that.

????

"Factually old age starts at 60. Take average age at death as 90. 0-30 is young, 30-60 is middle age, over 60 is old."

Let's not get our pride get in the middle of. very basic statistics categorization.

I don't see myself being middle aged either but that's where I fit.

I'll concede to being old (ish!) but don't think I'll ever make it to elderly. Much further down the line and keeps moving.

Definitely 10 years older than oneself, until late 80s…?

I will be 75 this year and don't consider myself elderly. Others may but in my head I am not old.

As so many things in life - just depends!

My dad only became elderly aged 95, my mum about 85.

Factually old age starts at 60. Take average age at death as 90. 0-30 is young, 30-60 is middle age, over 60 is old.

How you feel, how fit you are , how society perceives us, is just that - perception. 'elderly' is a judgement adjective, not based on chronology but how we present.

I began to be treated as if I was elderly around 75.

Is there not a quote somewhere that says everyone who is ten years older than you is old.

I always associate 'elderly' with frail.

I am mid 60's and don't feel elderly - unless my knee is playing me up