What is old age?

"Old age" is a subjective expression referring to a person in the later stages of life. People debate the specific age at which someone is "old," but "old age" often refers to someone who is retired and who likely requires higher amounts of routine health care.

The label "senior citizen" is often applied to Americans age 65 and older. Many retirement programs kick in at this age. Senior citizens also receive discounts on purchases at some restaurants and retail stores. A Pew Research study in 2009 indicated that the average respondent believed old age starts at 68. The survey also showed that older people believed old age started at a later point than younger respondents.