'Old age' now begins at 75

A recent study from the American Psychological Association revisits societal perceptions of old age, revealing a shift in the age at which people consider themselves 'old'.

Analyzing responses from over 14,000 participants through the German Ageing Survey, the study discovered that while earlier generations pegged the onset of old age at around 71, current middle-aged and older adults now view 75 as the beginning of their golden years.

Spearheaded by Markus Wettstein of Humboldt University in Berlin, the research indicates that increased life expectancy and health improvements over recent decades have influenced this change in perspective. This nuanced understanding of aging, influenced by factors such as health status, gender, and loneliness, highlights evolving attitudes toward aging and could have significant implications for healthcare professionals dealing with geriatric populations. 

Read more: American Psychological Association

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