The Definitions of the Beginning of Old Age in History

Abstract

The beginning of old age has been addressed by many writers and scholars over the centuries. From ancient literature to contemporary times, most authorities have located the beginning of old age around age sixty, although some thought it started around age forty. High mortality rates had negligible effects on when old age was thought to begin. Gender may have had more influence, as women were consistently viewed as aging more rapidly and sooner than men. Overall, the age range thought to start old age has been fairly consistent. Nevertheless, within historical contexts varying opinions on the beginning of old age have co-existed, and distinctions between young-old and old-old have been acknowledged. Initially, external factors were viewed as affecting the beginning of old age, but as history unfolded, more emphasis was placed on the individual's relationship with society and ability to perform tasks. With the rise of formal retirement, less emphasis was placed on the individual's ability and more on chronological age. Thus, defining the beginning of old age returned to external factors, such as governmental and economic definitions, and became based on chronological age. In the future, these factors may either lead to new parameters or perhaps a questioning of whether it is even necessary to define the beginning of old age.

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