If previous generations could consider the age of 65 as the beginning of old age, this notion has evolved. With the increase in life expectancy and medical advances, our perception has greatly changed on the subject.
So, at what age do you become “old” today? This is the question that the American Psychology Association wanted to answer, published in the Journal Psychology of Aging. The team chose to study the historical evolution of the perception of old age among middle- and older-aged adults.
A gradual change in the perception of old age
The researchers analyzed data from more than 14,000 people in Germany, born between 1911 and 1974. Their question was simple: “At what age would you describe someone as old?” The results show that people born more recently are delaying the age at which they estimate the onset of old age. For example, at 65 years old, those born in 1911 considered old age to be 71 years old, while those born in 1956 placed it at 74 years old.
Markus Wettstein, one of the study's authors, explains that increasing life expectancy and improvements in health are helping to push back the perception of old age. “Life expectancy has increased, which may contribute to delaying the onset of old age, and some aspects of health have improved over time” he emphasizes.
Men and women: disparities to note
The study also reveals differences in perception between men and women. Women generally estimate that old age begins two years later than men. This difference becomes more pronounced over time, perhaps reflecting variations in perceived health and social isolation between the sexes.
However, this decline in the perceived age of old age is not linear. According to Markus Wettstein, this trend may not continue indefinitely. It is also noted that people who perceive themselves as alone or in poor health believe that old age begins earlier.
An impact on our own perception of aging
These changes in age perception could influence not only how individuals experience their own aging, but also how society in general perceives older people.
Further research is needed to understand the implications of this phenomenon. Markus Wettstein concludes: “Perhaps the onset of old age is postponed because people consider old age to be an undesirable state.”
