Rethinking Age: Why 65 Isn't What It Used to Be

In America, turning 65 has long been seen as a big deal. It's the age when people often retire and become eligible for Medicare. But is 65 really the best marker for old age? Not anymore. People age differently. Some 70-year-olds are full of energy, while others struggle with daily tasks. Life expectancy has increased, so chronological age doesn't tell us much about someone's health or abilities. Society has set up many milestones around age. At 40, people are protected from age discrimination at work. At 50, they might qualify for certain benefits. And at 60, they can get senior discounts at some stores. But these numbers are arbitrary. The idea of retiring at 65 is deeply ingrained in American culture. It affects how people plan their lives and how the economy functions. But is it really a biological necessity? In 1962, the average retirement age for men was just over 65, and their life expectancy was 67. Today, men retire a bit earlier, but their life expectancy is around 75. As people live longer, it's time to rethink what 65 means. Maybe it's not the best age to define old age or retirement. Society needs to adapt to the changing realities of aging.