69 and Not Middle-Aged: Why We Need a New Term for This Life Stage
A psychologist argues against labeling people over 60 as 'middle-aged' and proposes 'olderhood' as a more accurate term.
POLICY WIRE — City, Country — A 69-year-old woman is pushing back against the use of the term ‘middle-aged’ to describe those in their 60s, arguing that it fails to capture the unique stage of life she’s experiencing.
Denise Taylor, a chartered psychologist and author, says the label perpetuates a fear of aging rather than celebrating it. She emphasizes that being 60 or 69 should be recognized on its own terms, not as an extension of midlife.
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Taylor notes that while many in their 60s feel healthier and more active than previous generations, the concept of midlife is shifting. Research suggests that significant biological changes occur at ages 44 and 60, yet she doesn’t see herself reflected in these labels. Instead, she proposes the term ‘olderhood’ to define the period between 60 and 80—a time marked by both new possibilities and the reality of finite time.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
