[Reviewing the definition of elderly]

Abstract

Over the past 10 years (1992-2002) the physical activity of healthy elderly (over 65) has been more youthful by 7.5 years in men and 10 years in women. Functional independence in elderly diabetic patients (over 65) has been more youthful by 15 years. pathological examination revealed that the cerebral arteries have been more youthful by 20 years in men and 10 years in women during the past 14 years (1986-2000). Based on these data, the current definition of elderly (65 year over) should be changed to those over 75 years. Changing the social system (retirement, pension, medical care etc.) to harmonize with the coming aging society is a matter of great urgency.