Elderly man drowns at South Coast beach

Considering that Gen Y will be likely be working until they’re 70, maybe they need to look at re-defining the term “elderly”.

A 65 Year Old Man has tragically left us and everyone seems to be concerned about whether the term
“ Elderly, “ is Appropriate, Bizarre in my book. From
what I can glean, this man was swimming alone on what would seem to be at a time, 5.20.P.M., when Lifesavers
were not officially on duty. But, Frighteningly, how often do we see it,
a more Aged Person, in general Good
Health, getting into trouble in a very
Unpredictable Surf having a Medical
Episode in the Struggle, and Indeed
Panic, to get out of trouble. Everything is Relative, I concede, but the reality is
that for the great majority of us, we do
slow down with age, and few of us have, frankly, The Fitness necessary to
to survive in Surf that can look so inviting but can turn on us within an instant. I would suggest that the term
“ Elderly “ is entirely appropriate in this
Context and, indeed, could even be seen as a veiled warning to other
More Aged, More Elderly, if you like.

I’d agree that the term elderly conjures up images of a frail person in their later years; grey haired, bespectacled and rather slow.

However, a quick search online confirms that elderly is anybody over 65.

Perhaps the definition pertains to elders (older, wiser)? Or has changed with increasing life expectancy over the last few centuries?

A lot of over 65s taking offence at the wording. Yes, you are old, elderly even. Aging is OK, it’s alright to be old.

When I saw the word “elderly” I expected someone in their late 80’s not 65 which is quite young!

Given 60 is the new 40- a 65 year old is barely middle aged, let alone elderly??? Why does age come into it at all?? If he had been over 80 how would he have been described? A Fossil or a Relic??

Ageism certainly seems alive & kicking in Australia. Regardless of whether or not one uses a subjective or objective test, I think it unfair to define the unfortunate swimmer as ‘elderly’. Other considerations are relevant.
Many of the leaders in Australia & around the world in business, politics, the professions or other causes are over 65. Are those in the 70+ age group now going to be re-classified from ‘elderly’ to ‘ancient’?
As a 80, 90 or 100 year-old if 65 is ‘elderly’ & they might take a contrary view.
A man or a 65 year-old man would have sufficed, without the addition of elderly.

Can you reconsider the headline? Guy was 65 which is barely retirement age I don’t think the word Elderly fits.