Old age

"Elderly" and "Old people" redirect here. For other uses, see Elder (disambiguation). For the Khmer Rouge term, see New People (Cambodia).
"Old Age" redirects here. For other uses, see Old Age (disambiguation).
"The Elderly" redirects here. For the 2022 Spanish film, see The Elderly (film).
A 93-year-old man from Pichilemu, Chile
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Old age is the range of ages for people nearing and surpassing life expectancy. People of old age are also referred to as: old people, elderly, elders, senior citizens, seniors or older adults.[1] Old age is not a definite biological stage: the chronological age denoted as "old age" varies culturally and historically.[2] Some disciplines and domains focus on the aging and the aged, such as the organic processes of aging (senescence),[3] medical studies of the aging process (gerontology),[4] diseases that afflict older adults (geriatrics),[5] technology to support the aging society (gerontechnology), and leisure and sport activities adapted to older people (such as senior sport).

Old people often have limited regenerative abilities and are more susceptible to illness and injury than younger adults. They face social problems that relate to retirement, loneliness, and ageism.[6][7]

In 2011, the United Nations proposed a human-rights convention to protect old people.[8]

  1. ^ Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition (American Psychological Association, 2009) ISBN 1433805618[page needed]
  2. ^ Old age. Oxford Reference. 2006. doi:10.1093/acref/9780198568506.001.0001. ISBN 9780198568506. Archived from the original on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  3. ^ "Senescence – definition of senescence by The Free Dictionary". Thefreedictionary.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-08. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  4. ^ "Gerontology – definition of gerontology by The Free Dictionary". Thefreedictionary.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  5. ^ "Geriatrics – definition of geriatrics by The Free Dictionary". Thefreedictionary.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  6. ^ "Jeremy Hunt highlights plight of 'chronically lonely' – BBC News". Bbc.co.uk. 2013-10-18. Archived from the original on 2016-04-05. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  7. ^ "How can we reduce the toll of loneliness in older adults?". NIHR Evidence (Plain English summary). 2021-09-30. doi:10.3310/collection_47889. Archived from the original on 2022-05-22. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  8. ^ "Human rights of older persons". OHCHR.org. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Archived from the original on 2021-04-28. Retrieved 2016-10-24.