USA: People Are No Longer Just 'Old'

Some classify seniors into three divisions

RALEIGH, N.C. (News & Observer), February 12, 2007:

As life spans increase, people are no longer headed, depressingly, into a uniform "old age."

Instead, they'll encounter what are called the three divisions of aging.

Some experts divide older people into: Younger Seniors, ages 55 to 69; Transitional Seniors, ages 70 to 84; and Upper Seniors, ages 85 and older.

Some prefer more positive descriptions, like calling the first group Robust and Rowdy Young Seniors, followed by Powerful and Productive Transitional Seniors and then the Influential and Increasing Upper Seniors.

Still others call the divisions bunk - making the point that people age differently and that we shouldn't stereotype.