Age Old Problem: Who Is ‘Elderly’

When exactly does someone become elderly? A recent New York Times story calls a 69-year-old woman elderly. Philadelphia Metro considers 70 to be elderly. When NPR ran a story recently about a 71 year old midwife, some readers objected to the word “elderly” in the original headline. One commenter responded: “REALLY?!? ‘ELDERLY MIDWIFE’?! She’s 71 and delivering babies! There’s nothing elderly about her, and these days, not even her age!” Another wrote: “I was 70 in Feb and I certainly do not feel elderly… Elderly is at least over 80 and as someone else suggested maybe 95.” Editors decided to change the headline. And eventually, NPR’s ombusman weighed in on the ‘elderly’ issue/ Linton Weeks , NPR. More here. (AP file photo of 91-year-old actress Betty White)

Question: So how would you describe ‘elderly’? And/or: Is ‘elderly’ a word we should even use?