Are you a “young-old” senior or an “old-old” senior? This question has been making the rounds in some print media, prompted by a comment in the press that a person is probably considered “old” when she/he reaches the age of 60. This set off a flurry of indignant comments (undoubtedly mainly from 60-year-olds) objecting to the labeling of a person as old at age 60.

Traditionally in North America, you’re considered a senior at age 55 and above. So at age 60, you’re definitely a senior in most areas of the country. However, the argument from 60-year-olds seems to be that they shouldn’t necessarily be described as “old.” Some may think this is just semantics, but 60-year-olds who don’t consider themselves as being old make a valid point.

It they’re relatively physically fit and healthy, and don’t really feel old, then perhaps they’re not really “old-old”. But why stop at 60? I venture to say that they’re plenty of men and women, age 65, 70, 75 and even 80 or more who may be considered “old-old” because of their physical appearance and the date on their birth certificate. But we’ve all read and heard about seniors in their latter years throughout history down to the present accomplishing great things.

Age isn’t necessarily the only criteria in determining when a person is old. Many younger persons can be considered “old” because they fail to keep growing mentally and spiritually. Far too many people allow their dreams to die long before they reach traditional “old age”. Such people may die at 25, 35, or 45; they just haven’t been buried yet.

This can even include “older” persons, age 60 or more; they, too, can allow their negative thinking to defeat them, resulting in the death of their hopes and dreams, long before the individual’s physical death and burial.

So, how do we answer the question of whether we’re “young-old” or “old-old?” That depends on how each individual thinks about himself/herself and their life.

It’s a cliché, but it fits here, “Think young.” I also like the sign I saw in my former dentist’s office many years ago: “Age is just mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

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Pat Moauro is a former veteran journalist, and currently a writer and editor specializing in seniors’ issues. For more articles check his website at maxxseniorslife.com