This definition is arbitrary. In 1883 Chancellor Bismarck established the age of 65 as the age at which civil servants could retire. In Aug. 1935, the US enacted Social Security. Myths shared by us all Most older people are pretty much alike. In fact, there is increasing diversity with increasing age.
Older people are generally alone and lonely.
In fact, most older people are in contact with family. Most older people are sick, frail, and dependent on others. In fact, most older people live independently in the community. Old people are senile. In fact, for most older people, if there is a decline in some intellectual abilities it is not severe enough to cause problems in daily living.