How old is senior citizen

This article examines the different meanings behind the terms and concepts associated with getting older and explores how people's perceptions of age have changed over time. The words we use both reflect and shape our attitudes. It's important to remember that any word can have positive or negative implications, depending on usage, context, and cultural norms. Here are some of the meanings and connotations behind terms that are commonly used to describe people in the later stage of life:.

Traditionally, old age marked the final stage in the human life cycle; you were old when you were approaching the end of your life. The problem with that old age definition is that no one knows for certain when they are going to die. And people are living much longer than they used to: When Social Security began in , the average life expectancy in the U. Today, it's closer to Increased longevity is not just an American phenomenon.

A study in The Lancet found that life expectancy was projected to grow in every one of 35 developed countries, albeit at different rates. The study concluded that by , women in South Korea will likely have an average life expectancy of over 90 years. Researchers believe the gains are largely attributable to medical advances that allow people to extend their lives, as opposed to decreases in child mortality.

So if the definition of "old age" depends on the average length of people's lives, what age is considered "elderly? Stanford economics professor John Shoven looked at mortality rates for different age groups through time and suggested that "middle-aged" adults are those whose chances of dying within the next 12 months are one percent or less. That would mean that American men today would be considered middle-aged until they reach about age 60 up from around age 44 in and women wouldn't leave middle age until 65 considerably later than age 48 like in Similarly, Shoven suggested that an elderly definition could include adults whose chances of dying within the next year are four percent or more.

So how old is "elderly? How old is "old? So why are there so many discounts for elderly persons? Seniors are on fixed incomes and often with limited assets that are to last for an unknown number of years. Yet seniors need to be able to live a healthy, happy life in retirement.

To help seniors afford both the essentials and the extras, companies offer discounts for this age group. In terms of senior citizen living and care options, there are three main types to consider.

Seniors typically live at home, either by themselves or with a caregiver, or in a senior living apartment or retirement community. Within these three types of housing are varying levels of care that are aimed at meeting the needs of seniors. A senior citizen who is able to live on their own at home requires the lowest level of care. They can manage their day-to-day activities including meals, transportation, and bill paying.

Most often they have minimal health problems and are active seniors who may work part or full time outside of the home. In some instances, these seniors will have caregivers who live with them. This might be a relative or live-in nurse. In most situations, but not all, a caregiver moves in with a senior citizen when they start to have trouble with daily activities. This would be the type of living in which a live-in nurse is involved.

A live-in nurse typically stays with a senior during the day, while leaving them alone overnight. They do not live with the senior full time.

If a senior is either unable or unwilling to live alone, they will typically transition to a senior apartment within a retirement community. These communities are highly diverse and include specifications, such as LGBTQ , golfing, luxury , religious , or military veteran senior communities.

Within these communities, all of the residents are seniors over 55 who are active in some capacity. Seniors live in their own apartments or single dwelling houses within the retirement community.

They are provided with specialized services that allow for a low-to-medium level of care. For example, there may be an onsite medical clinic, physician offering home visits, and routine health checks. More importantly, within an active senior retirement community , elderly citizens are provided with a network that allows them to socialize.

By moving into a retirement community, seniors can overcome this roadblock and continue to thrive in a supportive environment. A retirement home includes an assisted living facility and a nursing home. This type of senior living is reserved for seniors who cannot handle day-to-day activities and care for themselves. In addition, these types of centers are for individuals who require a more advanced level of care. They may have loss of mobility or be diagnosed with dementia or chronic illnesses.

In terms of finances , seniors are at the end of their working career. In most instances, seniors retire from work once they turn However, as seniors are aging more effectively, living longer and maintaining active lifestyles, there is the opportunity for seniors to continue working.

This also stems from their financial situation. However, there are a lot of issues that we all need to know as far as senior citizens are concerned. From their financial, medical, legal matters to other areas such as living options and discounts, these are crucial matters that we all need to be aware of. With multiple family members currently in senior living facilities, David is in the trenches every week, learning the ins and outs of nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, and general senior living.

We love planning for retirement. It's somewhat of a hobby, and we want to share what we've learned with you. Over the years we've found the best ways to live, how to travel, take on new hobbies and give back. Happiness in retirement is the main goal, and having the right information allows us and you to achieve that.

Some older Americans who never got the chance to serve when younger often ponder this question. You may wonder if it is possible for older adults to learn a new language. We are a publishing team of licensed Nursing Home Administrators, Nurses, Assisted Living Directors, and individuals with vast personal experience with retirement communities and senior living.

You can learn more about our writers, here. We can be reached via email at contact retirefearless. This site also participates in other affiliate programs such as CJ, ClickBank and more, and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Facebook Pinterest. Assisted Living. Nursing Homes. General Retirement. Show Hide Table of contents. What is a Senior Citizen? Financial Matters for Senior Citizens As we noted earlier, a senior citizen can be financially considered to have retired from work.

Senior Citizen Discounts The logic behind senior citizen discounts is that they have limited assets and live on fixed incomes. About THE AUTHOR David Bolton With multiple family members currently in senior living facilities, David is in the trenches every week, learning the ins and outs of nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, and general senior living.