"Very old" is typically defined as being over 80 years old, although some organizations use 85 years as the threshold.
While "old" is a subjective term, geriatrics and gerontology often use age-based classifications for research and clinical purposes. Here's a breakdown:
- Young-old: 65-74 years
- Middle-old: 75-84 years
- Oldest-old: 85 years and older
Therefore, based on these classifications, "very old" aligns most closely with the "oldest-old" category. The American Geriatrics Society and the World Health Organization consider individuals over 80 to be in this category, while the British Geriatrics Society often uses 85 as the defining age.
The specific age that constitutes "very old" can also depend on cultural contexts and individual perspectives. However, the geriatric and gerontological communities generally agree on the range mentioned above.
