Final answer:
Older adulthood is categorized into three major senior age groups: young-old (65-74 years old), middle-old (75-84 years old), and old-old (over 85 years old). A fourth, less commonly referenced group is the 'oldest-old', including centenarians and supercentenarians.
Step-by-step explanation:
Older adulthood can be categorized into three major senior age groups, each representing a distinct stage in the aging process. These groups assist researchers, policymakers, and care providers in understanding the varying needs and characteristics of older adults. The identification of these stages also acknowledges the diversity within the older population.
The young-old group includes individuals who are approximately sixty-five to seventy-four years old. This age range typically marks the transition from the workforce to retirement, with many individuals still leading active and relatively healthy lives.
The middle-old group encompasses people in the seventy-five to eighty-four-year-old age bracket. Adults in this category might begin to experience more significant health challenges and the need for increased medical care or assistance.
The old-old designation is reserved for those over the age of eighty-five. Individuals in this stage often require more comprehensive care and support due to a higher likelihood of complex health issues and reduced physical function.
Some sources additionally cite a fourth category, known as the 'oldest-old', which typically includes centenarians and supercentenarians (those over 100 and 110 years old, respectively). This group represents the fastest-growing segment of the elderly population.