Introduction
At what age do we truly become ‘old’? For decades, 65 has been the traditional marker of older age in the UK, largely because it was the official retirement age and the point at which people could claim their State Pension. But with people living longer and healthier lives, is it time to rethink what it means to be ‘older’?
Instead of defining old age by the number of years lived, researchers suggest we consider remaining life expectancy (RLE) as a more accurate measure. Based on this, today’s 70-year-olds may be just as healthy as 65-year-olds were a few decades ago. So, is 70 the new 65?
The Case for 70 as the New 65
Historically, 65 became the threshold for older age because it was tied to retirement and pensions. However, this no longer reflects modern realities:
- The official retirement age has been scrapped, and more people work beyond 65.
- The State Pension age is rising.
- People today have longer life expectancies and better health compared to previous generations.
In fact, in 2017, a man aged 70 had the same remaining life expectancy (15 years) as a man aged 65 did in 1997. For women, a 70-year-old in 2017 had the same remaining life expectancy as a 65-year-old in 1981.
In terms of how much life we have left to live, 70 today looks a lot like 65 did in the past.
The Bigger Picture: Population Ageing and Its Impact
Ageing isn’t just about individuals; it’s a major shift in our population. In 1950, only 10.8% of the UK population was over 65. By 2050, nearly a quarter of the population (24.8%) will be in this age group.
This has implications for:
- Workforce and economy – More older adults are staying in work, contributing skills and experience.
- Health and social care – As people live longer, demand for healthcare and support services increases.
- Society and family – Many older people play key roles in volunteering and caregiving, particularly for grandchildren and partners.
While an ageing population presents challenges, it also brings opportunities. If we shift our perspective, we can see older age as a time of contribution, growth, and fulfilment.
Health and Ageing: A Different Perspective
Health experts argue that remaining life expectancy (RLE) gives a clearer picture of ageing than chronological age. Instead of looking at how many years have passed, it’s more useful to consider how many years remain.
For example:
- In 1981, people aged 65 and over made up the same proportion of the population as those with 15 years of remaining life expectancy (RLE 15).
- But by 2017, although the number of people aged 65+ increased, the number with RLE 15 actually declined, meaning people were ageing more slowly in real terms.
This suggests that instead of a fixed cut-off, old age should be viewed as shifting over time. The age at which people reach ‘old age’ has gradually moved forward, largely due to improvements in health.
Based on RLE15 (Remaining Life Expectancy of 15 years):
- In 1981, reaching age 65 meant you had about 15 years left, marking the statistical beginning of “old age.”
- By 2017, to have an RLE of 15, you’d need to be closer to age 70.
So if we hold to RLE15 as a benchmark, today’s “old age” might begin closer to 70 or even later, depending on health, gender, and social factors.
But even that is only a broad indicator. A more meaningful approach might be to ditch the idea of a single “start point” for old age altogether, and instead ask:
- Is this person experiencing functional decline?
- Are they encountering limitations in independence or mobility?
- Have they entered a phase where support and care become more necessary?
In that sense, “old” becomes contextual and individual, rather than defined by a calendar.
What do you think?
Have you noticed this shift in the people around you? At what point does “old” feel real, if ever?
Reframing Old Age: What This Means for You
Rather than seeing ageing as a sudden transition at a particular birthday, we should think of it as a process that unfolds differently for each person.
- Turning 70 doesn’t automatically mean slowing down. Many people remain active, engaged, and purposeful well beyond this age.
- Health, mindset, and lifestyle choices play a much bigger role in quality of life than a number on a calendar.
- While averages provide a useful benchmark, individual experiences vary. Some may feel ‘old’ at 60, while others thrive well into their 80s.
I was looking at some photos of my mum from some years ago, she was still active and vibrant at 86; she is frail now at 92.
BUT … I personally will claim the word OLD at 70 – 880 days away. It won’t, I hope, be a sign of being decrepit; but rather an awareness, a milestone, a mark in time I can share.
Conclusion: Moving Beyond Numbers
It’s time to rethink ageing. The idea that 70 is the new 65 is more than a catchy phrase; it reflects a deeper shift in how we experience later life. Longer lives bring new possibilities. With better health and more opportunities, we can redefine what it means to grow older.
Rather than focusing on a number, perhaps the more useful question is:
How do you want to shape your later years?
What does “being old” mean to you, and when, if ever, does it begin?
I’d love to know your thoughts on this
