Is 84 years old considered old?

In today’s world, many people are living longer lives thanks to advances in medicine, technology, and improved living standards. So when is someone actually considered “old”? There is no definitive answer, as aging is a complex process that varies widely between individuals. However, in most developed countries, 84 years old is generally viewed as old age.

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Quick Answer

Yes, 84 years old is generally considered old, as it is well past the average life expectancy in most countries. However, aging is a very individual process, so some 84-year-olds may feel quite young and active, while others will show more signs of frailty.

Life Expectancy Statistics

To understand if 84 is old, it helps to look at some life expectancy statistics:

Global average life expectancy is around 72 years.
In the US, average life expectancy is 79 years.
In Japan, average life expectancy is 84 years – one of the highest in the world.

The oldest confirmed person to ever live was Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years.

As we can see, living to 84 puts someone well above the average life span in most countries. It is close to the maximum average life expectancy found anywhere in the world today.

Biological Aging Process

Aging is a complex biological process that affects people in different ways. However, by 84, most people are experiencing significant effects of aging:

Cellular senescence – cells stop dividing and renewing tissues.
Stem cell exhaustion – stem cells deplete, reducing cell regeneration.
Telomere shortening – protective caps on chromosomes become shorter.

Epigenetic alterations – changes in gene expression patterns.
Loss of proteostasis – imbalance of protein production/breakdown.
Mitochondrial dysfunction – less efficient energy production.

Cellular senescence – accumulation of damaged cells.

These biological processes lead to reduced functioning of organs, decreased muscle mass, weaker bones, reduced cognition, and higher risk of most diseases. While lifestyle can modulate the rate of aging, it is an inevitable part of the human condition.

Mental and Cognitive Changes

In addition to physical changes, aging involves mental and cognitive changes, including:

Slower information processing and recall.
Reduced ability to focus and multi-task.
Decline in reasoning, judgment and problem solving.

Increased difficulty learning new things.
Risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s increases.

However, an active brain that continues learning new skills can help mitigate cognitive decline. But some degree of cognitive change is expected by one’s 80s.

Prevalence of Disease

The risk of chronic diseases increases markedly with age. Some common health conditions affecting the elderly include:

Heart disease – #1 cause of death for those over 65.
Cancer – risk continues to increase with age.

Stroke – risk doubles every decade after age 55.
Diabetes – over 25% of people over 65 have diabetes.
Arthritis – pain and stiffness affects more than 50% of seniors.

Dementia – impacts 14% of people over 70.

Managing these age-related diseases and conditions is a major concern for healthcare providers and families caring for the elderly.

Physical Capabilities

The physical impacts of aging result in decreased capabilities for strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. Typical effects include:

Loss of muscle mass, tone, and strength (sarcopenia).
Reduced stamina and cardiovascular endurance.
Decreased lung capacity and shortness of breath.

Diminished balance and slower reflexes.
Joint stiffness and reduced flexibility.
Impaired coordination and dexterity.

Weakened bones (osteoporosis), higher fracture risk.

While exercise and physical activity can slow this decline, loss of physical capability comes naturally with aging.

Sensory Changes

It is very common to experience diminished sensory capabilities by one’s 80s, including:

Vision – reduced acuity, cataracts, glare sensitivity, depth perception.
Hearing – reduced sensitivity, difficulty with high pitch sounds.
Taste & Smell – decreased number of taste buds and reduced sensitivity.

Touch – decreased sensitivity to vibration, temperature, pain.

Assistive devices like glasses, hearing aids, and increased lighting and magnification can help compensate.

Quality of Life and Independence

While those in their 80s are more likely to experience limitations in their ability to live entirely independently, quality of life can still be quite good. Key factors include:

Maintaining social connections and community engagement.
Staying physically active and mentally stimulated.
Having adequate financial resources and social supports.

Effective management of any medical conditions.
Being able to stay in a comfortable, familiar environment.

Assistance with tasks like transportation, housekeeping, and home maintenance may be needed to continue living independently.

Life Expectancy at 84

According to mortality tables, the average remaining life expectancy for someone aged 84 is:

Women – 6.8 years (to age 90.8)
Men – 5.8 years (to age 89.8)

However, many live well into their 90s or even 100s. Diet, lifestyle, genetics and access to healthcare influence longevity.

Global Perspectives

Attitudes towards aging vary between cultures and countries. Some key global perspectives on being 84 include:

Asia – Elders are respected, but increased longevity strains retirement systems.

Africa – Wisdom of elders valued, but lack of social services makes aging challenging.
South America – Strong tradition of multigenerational households to support elderly.
North America – Independence valued, but aging population strains healthcare system.

Europe – Public pensions provide support, but birth rates declining.

Globalization and increased migration is also changing views on aging worldwide.

Historical Perspectives

Attitudes towards aging and the meaning of being 84 years old have changed throughout history:

Era	Life Expectancy	View of 84 years old
Prehistory	20-35 years	Rarely attained
Ancient world – Greece/Rome	28-35 years	Reaching old age a rarity
Middle Ages	30-40 years	Few lived past 60s
Renaissance	30-50 years	Unusual but no longer remarkable
Industrial Revolution	35-55 years	More start living into old age
20th Century	50-80 years	Common in developed nations

Reaching one’s 80s was extremely rare until modern times. It is now commonplace in many parts of the world.

Impacts on Family Structure

Increased longevity is transforming family structure and roles in many countries. Impacts include:

More generations living simultaneously – “beanpole families”.

More time as part of a 3 or 4 generation family.
Children caring for parents longer as they age.
Grandparents helping care for grandchildren.

Greater needs for elder care services and facilities.

Cultural values on grandparents in the family vary greatly by country and tradition.

Retirement and Finances

Reaching one’s 80s has major implications for retirement planning and finances:

Savings may need to cover 20+ years of retirement.
Sources of retirement income must be managed carefully.
Reliance on pensions, Social Security, healthcare benefits.

Estate planning and wills grow in importance.
Costs of healthcare, housing, caregiving rise.
Financial exploitation of elderly a concern.

Longevity has made secure retirement income a major societal challenge worldwide.

Psychological and Social Impacts

In addition to physical effects, living into one’s 80s brings psychological and social impacts including:

Sense of pride and accomplishment at longevity.

Loss of social status and feeling invisible or deprecated.
Loss of friends and family cohort.
Dependence on caregivers can affect dignity.

Burden of making end of life decisions.
Concerns over losing independence and control.

Maintaining social connections and community belonging is crucial for mental health in old age.

Gender Differences

Aging affects men and women differently. Key gender differences include:

Women outlive men on average by 4+ years.
Women more likely to experience osteoporosis.

Women more prone to lose muscle mass faster.
Men more prone to cardiovascular disease.
Women greater risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Women more likely to be widowed and living alone.

Cultural expectations around aging also differ significantly for elderly men and women.

Lifestyle Factors

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate some aspects of aging and prolong independence. Recommendations include:

Regular physical exercise and activity.
Healthy diet with nutrients, antioxidants.
Stimulating cognitive activities and learning.

Stress reduction techniques.
Close connections with family and friends.
Positive mental attitude and social engagement.

Regular healthcare and preventative screenings.

Small healthy lifestyle choices each day can significantly impact quality of life in one’s later years.

Celebrating Longevity

While being 84 puts someone at advanced old age, it is also an accomplishment worth celebrating. Some ideas include:

Photos and oral histories capturing wisdom.
Life review of meaningful memories and milestones.
Gratitude journal of lessons learned.

Gift giving honoring life’s passions.
Party with loved ones and community.
Special ceremonies and traditions.

Purposeful goals for health and personal growth.

Valuing the elderly helps both individuals and society benefit from long years of experience and insights.

Conclusion

While fixed cutoffs are always somewhat arbitrary, reaching one’s 80s is widely considered to be entering old age. The many physical, mental, social changes that occur by 84 significantly impact individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. However, with adaptations to help maintain independence and quality of life, people in their 80s still have much to contribute. Respecting the accomplishments of living a long life while providing adequate support for limitations that come with aging is crucial. Individuals who reach their 80s have lived through momentous changes on many fronts, and their experiences and wisdom should be valued.