An older person may be described as "someone older than yourself" as age and ageing is often regarded relative to one's own age. For example, someone who is eight years old regards a 20 year old person as an "older person"- hence the notion of old is often relative to our own age. Notably, ageing is a life-long continual process. An eight year old child becomes older at the same rate as someone who is 65.

Some people view an older person as being 65 years of age and some employers have been reported as defining 'old' as being 40 years of age.

Some organisations that are "partners" of Australian Coalition '99 regard a person aged 50 years eligible to be an "older person". For example, membership to Council on the Ageing Australia is open to individuals aged 50 years and older. Similarly, National Seniors Association offers membership to people aged 50 years and older, and their partners can also join regardless of whether they are 50 + years old or younger.

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