Who is an "older person"?

Before delving into Artificial Intelligence for older people, some context seems appropriate. What is the definition of an older person?

To some extent, age is in the eye, skin, muscle, and bones of the beholder. So, if you think you are an older person, you probably are. I am 64 and hadn't really thought of myself as an older person, but based on the number of times I am asked if or when I am going to retire, I am becoming quite aware that other people see me as older, even if they then politely say I don't look it.

For this blog, I will adopt the perspective that an older person is likely to be around 60 to 65 and older, i.e., someone who is very likely eligible for retirement, even if they don't feel ready for it.

Here are a few references:

• The CDC in the USA sets older as 65 or over, which gives me a few more months but doesn't disqualify me from writing on the topic. https://www.cdc.gov/cdi/definitions/older-adults.html

• The United Nations is very clear on this and defines an older person as anyone over the age of 60. If I am being pedantic, that suggests 61 and older, so 60-year-olds can enjoy another year of being a younger person. https://emergency.unhcr.org/protection/persons-risk/older-persons

• The NHS in England goes with over 65 but notes that someone aged 75 might be healthier than someone aged 60. https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/clinical-policy/older-people/improving-care-for-older-people/

Finally, and while not wanting to labor the point, I would be remiss if I didn't get the definition from a few leading AIs; they are somewhat wordy. My question to the AIs was, "At what age would a person be considered an older person?"

ChatGPT by OpenAI

The age at which a person is considered "older" can vary widely depending on the context and the society in which one lives. There is no universally accepted age, but some common markers include:

1. Legal Retirement Age: In many countries, there's a specific age at which individuals can start receiving retirement benefits, often somewhere between 60 and 67.

2. Senior Citizen Discounts: Some businesses offer discounts to "senior citizens," which can start at ages ranging from 55 to 65.

3. Medical Guidelines: In healthcare, "older" adults might be those who are 65 or older, as risk for many health issues increases around this age.

4. Cultural Perceptions: Some cultures revere older age and may have their own specific age at which someone is considered "older" or "elderly."

5. Social Roles: In some societies, people are considered older when they become grandparents, regardless of their actual age.

6. Functional Ability: Some people might define "older" not by age but by a decrease in physical or cognitive abilities.

7. Life Expectancy: In countries with higher life expectancies, the age at which one is considered "older" might be higher.

8. Psychological Perspective: Some studies suggest that people generally consider themselves to be older when they perceive a significant decrease in their physical abilities or when they retire from active work life.

9. Workplace: In the context of a professional environment, “older” might refer to workers who are nearing the age of retirement, or who are older than the average age of employees in that organization.

It's important to note that age is just a number, and the concept of being "older" can often carry stereotypes that do not necessarily match up with the lived experiences of people in that age group. Many people remain very active and involved in various activities well into their later years.

Bard by Google

There is no one definitive answer to the question of at what age a person would be considered an older person. The definition of "older person" can vary depending on the context in which it is used, such as in medicine, law, or society as a whole. In general, however, people aged 65 and over are considered to be older adults. This is because 65 is the age at which most people in developed countries retire and become eligible for government benefits such as Social Security and Medicare. However, it is important to note that not all older adults are the same. Some older adults are very healthy and active, while others may have health problems that limit their mobility and independence. Additionally, some people may feel old at a younger age, while others may not feel old until they are much older. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not someone is an older person is to ask them. Some people may prefer to identify as older adults, while others may prefer to identify as seniors or elders. Here are some other factors that can influence how people define "older person":

• Culture: Different cultures have different definitions of old age. For example, in some cultures, people are considered to be elders in their 50s or 60s.

• Health: People who are in good health may not feel old until they are much older than people who have health problems.

• Lifestyle: People who have active and engaged lifestyles may not feel old until they are much older than people who have sedentary lifestyles.

• Personal preferences: Some people may simply prefer to identify as older adults, while others may prefer to identify as seniors or elders.

It is important to remember that age is just a number. There is no one right age to be considered an older person.

Claude by Anthropic

There is no definitive age at which a person is considered "old", as aging is a gradual process and people experience it differently. However, here are some perspectives on when a person may be viewed as an older adult:

• Chronologically, 65+ years is often used as the start of old age in developed countries, as this is often the age of retirement and when age-related health issues may begin to increase. The World Health Organization defines old age starting from 60 years.

• Biologically, some markers of old age include decreased muscle mass, bone density, reaction time, sensory function (hearing, vision, etc.), and cognitive function. These changes typically begin in one's 50s and 60s.

• Socially, the term "old person" tends to refer to those who look elderly, are retired/not working, or who exhibit characteristics such as being frail, dependent, or disengaged from society. This perception can begin as early as the late 50s.

• Psychologically, the transition to feeling "old" is very individualized and subjective. Some people maintain a youthful spirit and sense of self their entire lives regardless of age.

• Legally, the age to qualify for federal old-age benefits in the US is 62. Age requirements for senior discounts and services typically range from 55 to 65+.

So, in summary, while "old age" represents a continuum rather than a fixed point, most would perceive a person to be considered elderly or "older" at least by their mid-60s chronologically. But aging is complex, and the term "old" ultimately depends on the context and the individual.