Old age
Old age
Old age refers to ages nearing or surpassing the life expectancy of human beings, and is thus the end of the human life cycle.
Pronunciation
- /oʊld eɪdʒ/
Etymology
The term "old age" is derived from the Old English eald (old) and yld (age), which together mean "the state of being old."
Definition
Old age is a period in the life of a person that follows the period of youth and adulthood. It is characterized by the decline in physical and mental capacities, retirement from work, and a higher risk of disease and death. The boundary between middle age and old age cannot be defined exactly because it does not have the same meaning in all societies.
Related Terms
- Gerontology: The study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of ageing.
- Senescence: The condition or process of deterioration with age.
- Retirement: The withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life.
- Life expectancy: The average period that a person may expect to live.
- Elderly care: The fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Old age
- Wikipedia's article - Old age
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