Reviewing the definition of “elderly”

Orimo, Hajime
Ito, Hideki
Suzuki, Takao
Araki, Atsushi
Hosoi, Takayuki
Sawabe, Motoji

¹University of Health Science, Yamanashi, Japan
²Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Treatment Corporation, Tama-Hokubu Medical Center, Aichi, Japan
³Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
⁴Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
⁵National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan

Correspondence: Dr Hajime Orimo, University of Health Science, Yamanashi, Japan. Email: [email protected]

Accepted for publication 8 March 2006.

Geriatrics and Gerontology International 6(3):p 149-158, September 2006.

Conventionally, “elderly” has been defined as a chronological age of 65 years old or older, while those from 65 through 74 years old are referred to as “early elderly” and those over 75 years old as “late elderly.” However, the evidence on which this definition is based is unknown. We have attempted to review the definition of elderly by analyzing data from long-term longitudinal epidemiological studies, and clinical and pathological studies that have been accumulated at the Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology. Our recommendation might be a starting point in developing a strategy for a successful society by reviewing the definition of elderly based on comprehensive evidence in all aspects of social, cultural and medical sciences.