Given my present energy level for dealing with the problems that have erupted since sun rise, my old age will probably begin about three o'clockthis afternoon. For other people, three score and ten is a respectable milestone to begin gracefully declining. I am just so incredibly sensitive and precocious that special rules have to apply.

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA USA

40 years of age. Since I have turned forty, I now need bifocal glasses, changes in my menstrual cycle, kidney stones, I don't have the same energy as before and just plain ol' forgetfulness .. .

Janet, 42
E. Brunswick, NJ  USA

Isn't that basically the same question as the youth question. . .?

Karen, 21
Marshelltown/Ames, IA USA

Never really thought about that...I'm 24 and go around telling people I feel  so old all the time. I'd have to say somewhere in you 70's. I actually have  two grandparents that are in their 80's and they don't look or act old. I guess it depends on the person and how they are faring and how life has treated them!

Tracy, 24
Ocean City, NJ  USA

Always at least ten years older than I am! To me, old age is when you draw inward, reject new ideas, and cease to learn new things. Physical and mental frailty are certainly factors. But my grandmother, who lived to 97, never seemed old despite serious physical problems because she retained a keen interest in the world around her and the people she loved and because she cheerfully adapted to the changes in technology and society.

Jane, 60
West Linn, OR   USA

I think it can happen at any age. I'm sure that some kids or teens have grown up really fast because of what they've seen and experienced.

Jeremy, 13
Highlands Ranch, CO  USA

That's hard to say. Sometimes you can look into a child's eyes and see such an old soul looking back. And then the next day you sit in traffic behind a  man who has less intellect then a three year old. Or, find yourself dating some one less mature than that old soul new born.

Jaden, 21
Brampton, Ontario   CANADA

I think about 65, when people retire. But I think that people over 40 are old, so I'm not sure.

Shanna, 15
Cardiff   ENGLAND

I guess when people, including yourself, start calculating when you  are going to die.

Felicia, 34
Lowell, MA   USA

When you stop laughing.

Susan, 31
Chicao, IL  USA

me being only 15 , i think it's when you can do or remeber the things you used to do

Chris2, 15
Providence, RI USA

I believe old age starts when you want it too- Like the previous question- you are only as old as you feel. you could be 90 years old but still be in excellent shape...

Stephanie, 24
TX   USA

I really don't think old age starts now till your in your 80's and then that depends on your health. I have seen some people at 80 look and act better than those at 50 or 60. I think it depends on your genes and to keep yourself healthy, with regular checkups and exercise.

Marci, 55
Diamond, OH   USA

My mother-in-law lived with us until her death at 93 and I didn't start  thinking of her as being old until she was 90. But she was an exception. As a general rule, old age begins at about 80.

Reba, 50
Rockville, MD   USA

60

Brooke, 16
Memphis, TN   USA

60

Savannah

80, at the EARLIEST. Even then it depends.

Kim, 30
New York, NY   USA

You're as old or young as you feel. Some chronologically young people act old, and some chronologically old people act young. Whatever works for you.

Mick, 30
Chicago, IL   USA

I believe old age begins when you decide it does, alot of people think it starts at 40, but I think that if you aren't feeling old, you aren't old!

Heidi, 26
Fort Madison, IA USA

It's always been the same: 15 years older than I am now.

Anne, 35
Singapore

Jesse, 24
Bowie, MD USA 

You're old when you start complaining about questions being too much alike.

Alias Irrelevante

When you feel the need to defend yourself by saying "hey...that's not so OLD" when asked your age.

Fisch, 45
Preston, CT   USA

whenever you feel old enough to really be old.

Karen2, 14
Boston, MA    USA

never, you're as young as you feel you are.

Dianne E., 16
Oshawa, Ontario   CANADA

65, if only because you get discounted coffee at McDonalds starting then.

Anthony, 25
Baton Rouge, LA   USA

When you stop growing as an individual, seeing the potential in yourself, and have more negative thoughts/actions than positive  thoughts/actions.

Laura, 35
Lowell, MA    USA

I don't think there is an age number like that. .and really this isn't a cop-out. .

mothmc, 36
Los Angeles, CA  USA

Whatever age you care more about mortgages than love, position over poetry. Thank God some people never grow old.

Amy, 23
New Orleans, LA   USA

Yesterday / Tomorrow