An older adult commonly refers to a person aged 60 years or older, although this number varies among countries. However, this age coincides with the retirement phase of life and potential changes in physical, mental, and social well-being.
The age range designated for older adults varies across different countries. In some regions, individuals are considered old once they celebrate their 60th birthday while other countries may designate age 65 as the threshold. Many African countries recognize the age of 60 as the commencement of old age. This is the reason many government agencies in African nations enforce a retirement age of 60 years (except for professors, who retire at 70) or after 35 years of active service, whichever occurs earlier. Typically, individuals who have accrued 35 years of service are approaching the age of 60 if they have not already reached that milestone.
It’s important to recognize that a person’s actual age in years might not match their biological age, which is shaped by the choices they make in how they live, both in their youth and later in life. The biological age considers a person’s overall physical, mental, and social well-being.