Old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle. Euphemisms and terms for old people include seniors (American usage), senior citizens (British and American usage), older adults (in the social sciences), and the elderly.
Old people have limited regenerative abilities and are more prone to disease, syndromes, and sickness than younger adults. For the biology of ageing, see senescence. The medical study of the aging process is gerontology, and the study of diseases that afflict the elderly is geriatrics.
Read more about Old Age: Definition, Changes Associated With Aging, Demographic Changes, Psychosocial Aspects, Life Expectancy, Assistance and Care
Famous quotes containing the word age:
“For age with stealing steps
Hath clawed me with his crutch,”
—Thomas Vaux, 2d Baron Vaux Of Harrowden (1510–1566)