What does late adulthood encompass?

Late adulthood is generally understood to encompass the later stages of life, typically classified into two distinct groups: the young-old, which is generally defined as individuals aged 65 to 84 years, and the oldest-old, comprising those who are 85 years and older. This classification recognizes the significant variations in health, wellness, and life expectancy across these age groups.

The young-old typically experience a healthier and more active lifestyle, while the oldest-old are more likely to face health risks and require different levels of care and support. This distinction acknowledges that aging is not a homogeneous experience but varies widely among different segments of the elderly population. The focus on health risks associated with aging in this context emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges that come with late adulthood, particularly in terms of physical health, cognitive function, and social support.

The other choices do not adequately capture the complexity of late adulthood. For instance, simply stating that late adulthood is for individuals over 60 years is too broad and does not recognize the differentiation in aging experiences between the young-old and oldest-old. Additionally, defining late adulthood as only including individuals who are fully retired and living independently or those receiving elder care support overlooks the fact that many older adults may still be actively engaged in work, social