 | Old age cannot be defined exactly because it does not have the same meaning in all societies. In many parts of the world, people are considered old because of certain changes in their activities or social roles. For example, people may be considered old when they become grandparents or when they begin to do less or different work. In the United States and Europe, people are often considered old if they have lived a certain number of years. Many Americans think of 65 as the beginning of old age because United States workers become eligible to retire with full Social Security benefits at age 65. People in the 65-and-over age group are often called senior citizens. Starting in the year 2003, the age at which a person becomes eligible for full Social Security benefits will increase gradually until it reaches age 67 in 2027. In Western societies, everybody is declared to be "old" when they reach the ages of 65-70, and secure their pension entitlement. Some governments offer OAP's redeemable retirement saving plans. However, you can join AARP health insurance at age 50; and a lot of small diners will offer specials to senior citizens aged 55 and older with proof of identification. 50 is the beginning of old age for the average man, since the average life expectancy in men is 75, whereas he is middle aged at 45.
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