What is the age of a senior citizen? The term “senior citizen” is used to describe the different types of elders in our society. Depending on where and how the term is used, an older person’s actual age may change. While some organizations define a senior as someone 50 years or older, others may set a 60-year-old threshold as the cutoff.
The short answer is that it will vary. Although there isn’t a set age at which people start getting older, most Western industrialized nations view old age as starting at 60 or 65. When most Americans reach retirement age, they become eligible for age-based assistance programs.
However, age is more than just a numerical value. This article looks at how people’s perceptions of age have changed over time and investigate the various meanings behind the terms and concepts connected with growing older.
How to Define “old”?
How old is “old?” As you can see, there isn’t a straightforward response to that query. However, there are a few commonly accepted ways to define old age:
- By chronology: When a specific amount of time has passed since your birth, you are considered old. However, the precise number can vary dramatically in different contexts. Examples include the fact that Medicare benefits start at age 65, that many senior discounts are intended for people in their 55th or 60th year, and that AARP membership is open to people at age 50.
- By social role: When your kids leave for college, when you become a grandparent, or when you stop working for a living, you are considered to be old. In some rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where a formal retirement age is meaningless, you are thought to have reached old age when you need to stop doing physically demanding tasks and start playing a more managerial role in the home.
- By physical or health status: Grey hair, wrinkles, physical frailty, and mental decline are all signs that you are getting older. (Hence the oft-repeated phrase, “Only you can determine your true age.”) A report in Geriatrics and Gerontology International found that many Japanese people believe that the term “elderly” should be reserved for those who are dependent on others for their daily functioning.
Nobody agrees on exactly what constitutes old age or when it starts, which is not surprising. According to a Pew Research Center survey, Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 believe that a person reaches old age at 60, while those over 65 believe that this age is actually reached at 74. (Notably, the same survey found that only 35 percent of people over age 75 said they felt old.) And a survey by PayingTooMuch.com of adults over 40 found that most of them believed old age began at 80.
How Old to Be a Senior Citizen?
When you become an older adult, there is no specific age at which you reach that status. Some people may consider themselves seniors when they retire from the workplace, sign up for Social Security or start spending their retirement savings, but others are not ready to call themselves seniors.
Here are some turning points that might prove you’ve reached senior status.
You Can Participate in Senior Promotions
The senior-targeted promotions might be appealing to you if you’re feeling strapped for cash or would like more perks. A 50-year-old or older person can join AARP and be eligible for member discounts. Some companies begin giving discounts to customers once they turn 55, while others have different eligibility ages, like 62 or 65. There are some shops, eateries, and supermarkets where you can find senior discounts. Hotels, car rental companies, and airlines may also provide discounts. Ask about a senior rate with your cellphone provider and pharmacy to see what is available.
You Can Get Health Insurance
There are specific ages when you qualify for various types of retirement benefits. In some aspects “society makes it very clear when we become senior citizens,” says Mimi Secor, a nurse practitioner and public speaker from Upton, Massachusetts. You can enroll in Medicare, for instance, when you are 65. To prevent premium increases, be sure to enroll in Medicare by the deadlines.
You Can Spend Retirement Savings
The purpose of retirement accounts is to motivate employees to make long-term savings. As a result, early withdrawal fees are frequently included in accounts like 401(k) plans and IRAs. There is usually a 10% penalty if you withdraw money prior to age 59 1/2. You may consider yourself a senior citizen when “you no longer have to worry about the 10% penalty for early withdrawals from your IRA or 401(k),” says Guy Baker, founder of Wealth Teams Alliance in Irvine, California.
The required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts must begin when you turn 72. Known as RMDs, these withdrawals are calculated using an IRS distribution method.
You Can Get Social Security Benefits
As young as 62 years old or as old as 70 can receive Social Security benefits. When you turn 62, if you’ve paid into the Social Security system and are qualified for benefits, you’ll get a smaller check. You can wait until you’re at full retirement age, which is typically 66 or 67, to start receiving your full benefit. Your monthly benefit will increase if you postpone retirement until you are 70 years old. Making a my Social Security account and reviewing your Social Security statement will allow you to get an estimate of how much you will receive at different ages.
You Spend More Time With Your Family
It’s possible that you’ve devoted years to achieving deadlines and pursuing professional or family goals. Your working years may have been jam-packed with activities and social engagements. It’s possible that you will have more hours in the day to spare once you get to a certain point. You could use your extra time to spend more time with your family. You could also volunteer at a local charity, join a walking group or start a card club.
You May Not Have to Work
Your loved ones might view you as a senior citizen once you’ve retired from a long career. The change may give you a sense of direction and meaning. You might feel thankful for the years you were able to work and the opportunity you now have to follow your passion as you leave the office.
On the other hand, you could be compelled to take on a part-time job to bring in extra income. A new business venture or job search in a field you’ve always been interested in are other options. Freedom to choose how and when to work is frequently a benefit of retirement.
Changes in Your Physical Condition
You may feel as though you have crossed the senior citizen threshold if you have medical conditions like hearing loss, arthritis, or hypertension. “A person that is battling several age-related medical issues can feel older just by the number and type of medications or medical devices they use,” says Cindy Moore, co-founder and managing partner at Senioridy, an online directory for senior resources based in the Birmingham, Alabama area. “When you are getting a walker or hearing aid installed, it is difficult to feel young.” Being exhausted or prepared for bed by nine o’clock. might be an indicator you are getting older.
Conclusion
Seniors citizens can be defined in a variety of ways, ranging in age from around 50 to over 50. Take advantage of all senior benefits offered and be ready for significant upcoming milestones. Although there isn’t a single definition of what it means to be a senior, being aware of the resources that are out there can help you live more comfortably while also saving money. Life isn’t so bad when you’re older! You can benefit from sizeable savings.
FAQs
What Age is McDonald’s Senior Discount?
The senior discount at McDonald’s is available to whom? Anyone ages 55 and older can get a senior discount at participating McDonald’s locations.
Can I Still Work If I Retire at 55?
People can take their pension at 55 and still continue to work, but if they don’t make the right financial decisions, it could hinder their future. Paying more taxes is a very common occurrence for clients who take their pension and work, and it could jeopardize their ability to maintain their financial stability.
