So how old is "old"?
Researchers found that for most Americans, old age isn't about a particular birthday, but more about how a person acts. People who still shop for themselves or take care of their own household chores are less likely to be seen as old.
The study found that the ability to take part in certain activities like buying groceries or attending medical appointments is a way of identifying whether someone is “old.” The research was based on interviews with people in their late 80s, their family members and their paid caregivers.
When people in their 80s or 90s showed characteristics that society tends to associate with people who aren't old, they were viewed and treated as "not old".
In other words, they were able to age without getting old.
