The “young-old” are active retirees challenging stereotypes about older people. Bernice Neugarten coined the term in the 1970s, describing those aged 55-65 as not old but not middle-aged. Many enjoy physical activity, travel, and community involvement, and some fight age discrimination.
The term “young-old” is sometimes used to describe older adults who are retired but still active. The activity level of young-old often challenges stereotypes about normal behavior for older people, as many people are under the impression that retirees become inactive and detached from society, when in fact the opposite may be true. Thanks to advances in medical care, many retirees enjoy active lives long after retirement, and their activity level actually keeps them healthier.
Gerontologist Bernice Neugarten is generally credited with the young-old idea, describing this age group in the 1970s. You argued that the existing age divisions were too divisive and not flexible enough. Young people are generally placed between 55 and 65 years of age, not old enough, but not middle-aged either. Unlike the old, young people are capable of physical activity and many of them use this ability.
After retirement, many of the young people use their newfound freedom to venture, hike, camp and other trek around the world. A number of travel agencies have even sprung up to specifically cater to this demographic, offering trips with like-minded young and old alike. In some cases, these active seniors eclipse members of the younger generation, thanks to their high level of physical health.
Young people belie the stereotype that older people are frail, withdrawn and unable to keep up with the progress of society. They are robust, healthy, and busy individuals who may choose to be active in their communities in addition to engaging in athletic pursuits which may include cycling, skiing, running, horseback riding, rock climbing, rafting, and a variety of other activities.
Some members of the young-old chafe at stereotypes about the elderly, feeling that people unfairly classify them as frail and helpless, rather than judging them on their own merits. Some may choose to join age-fighting organizations in an effort to educate people about the diversity of older adults and lobby for laws that outlaw age discrimination and support older adults’ goals.
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