In 2025, the commonly accepted age for being considered elderly is 65 years or older, which aligns with Medicare eligibility and retirement milestones. While this remains the standard, some organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), often consider 60+ as the threshold for "older adults". Definitions vary slightly depending on context, such as social services (often 60+) or medical, where it may be considered higher (80+) due to increased lifespan.
A senior citizen is typically defined as someone aged 65 and older. This is the age referenced by programs like Medicare, retirement benefits, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an “older adult” as someone at least 60 years of age,2 while the National Institute on Aging uses 65 years of age. However, many states define “older adult” or “elderly” differently when determining what resources are available in elder abuse cases.
The WHO's definition of older adults as those aged 60+ years is clearly established in multiple guidelines: The British Journal of Sports Medicine (2025) explicitly states: "The WHO regards adults aged 60 years and older as 'older adults'" 1.
“Cognitive decline may begin after midlife, but most often occurs at higher ages (70 or higher).” (Aartsen, et al., 2002) “… relatively little decline in performance occurs until people are about 50 years old.” (Albert & Heaton, 1988).
Fatigue can affect individuals in different ways, especially older adults. Although it may be normal, if you always feel tired, you should contact your GP, as this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Research suggests that lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management) can slow down epigenetic aging or even rewind it. According to a recent review (Kawamura et al., 2025), working out regularly acts as a powerful geroprotector that slows biological aging by influencing your epigenome.
The New Face of Aging Annual Conference 2025
Featuring: New Technologies, Innovative Products, Exhibit Hall, Unique Networking Opportunities, Cutting-Edge Educational Content and Presenters who are nationally renowned subject matter experts on healthcare and aging.
Life expectancy is 75 for males and 80 for females according to the National Center for Health Statistics. We'll help you keep you informed about potential issues with aging, and steps you can take to maintain your health and keep active.
Memory decline is a gradual process that can begin subtly in your 30s, with noticeable changes often starting in the 40s or 50s, affecting things like recall speed, but significant loss is not typical and depends on lifestyle; brain cell loss can start around 25, but experience often masks it, while semantic knowledge (facts) might improve until 70. Normal aging brings slower retrieval (like forgetting names) and multitasking difficulty, not rapid loss, with serious issues usually appearing much later.
The odds of living to 80 vary by current age and sex, but generally, a significant portion of people reaching middle age or older will live to 80, with recent data suggesting around 60-70% of those reaching their 60s in developed nations might reach 80, and roughly half of 65-year-olds in the U.S. can expect to live to 85 or beyond, with females having better odds than males. For someone already 80, their chance of surviving another year is lower but still substantial, with annual death probabilities around 6-7% for an 80-year-old male, decreasing chances as age increases.
In November 2025, the full retirement age (FRA) — the age at which individuals qualify to receive 100% of their Social Security benefits — increased to 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959. FRA gradually rises month by month, so in November 2025, those born in January 1959 reached their FRA.
Your body ages most dramatically in two major bursts, around age 44 and again around age 60, with significant molecular and microbial shifts occurring at these times, rather than a steady, gradual decline, affecting metabolism, immunity, and organ function. The mid-40s often bring changes in fat metabolism and cardiovascular markers, while the early 60s see shifts in immune regulation, kidney function, and carbohydrate metabolism, leading to increased health risks.
Botox, fillers, and chemical peels can make you seem ten years younger without surgery. Here are the top 10 areas to target. Even though you'll inevitably have wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging, you don't have to accept them.
Aging well means maintaining physical independence, mental sharpness, and emotional vitality through enjoyable activities, strong social connections, and continuous learning, not just avoiding wrinkles; it's about staying active, curious, connected, and engaged with life. Key signs include easy mobility, learning new skills, a strong social network, prioritizing health, adapting to change, and feeling generally content.
Studies show that even low-intensity walking for 30 minutes every day can exhibit anti-aging effects and prevent age-related disorders, promoting healthy aging. Perhaps the best thing about walking is that no exercise or general training is required.
People who sit for more than four hours per day lead a sedentary lifestyle. This includes adults who exercise regularly after work. Even just one hour of sustained sitting causes blood to pool in the legs. Risks begin to manifest for those who stand more than four hours per day.
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins (B12, B9/folate, B6) and Vitamin D, along with mineral deficiencies like Iron and Magnesium, are common causes of fatigue because they disrupt energy production, red blood cell formation (leading to anemia and poor oxygen transport), and nerve function. These deficiencies can leave you feeling constantly tired, weak, and lacking energy, even after rest, by impairing oxygen delivery or overall cellular function.