Octogenary: meaning, definitions and examples
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octogenary
[ ˌɒk.təˈdʒiː.nə.ri ]
age group
Relating to or denoting a person aged between 80 and 89 years. The term is derived from Latin roots, where 'octogenarius' refers to someone in their eighties. It is often used in demographic statistics and discussions relating to aging populations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She celebrated her octogenary birthday with friends and family.
- The octogenary citizens in the community are often more active than expected.
- Research shows that octogenary individuals have unique health concerns.
Etymology
The word 'octogenary' comes from the Latin term 'octogenarius', which means 'eighty years old'. This term developed from 'octo', meaning 'eight', combined with 'genarius', meaning 'born of'. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in demographic studies and the aging population due to advances in healthcare and living conditions. As life expectancy increased, so did the average age of the population, making terms like 'octogenary' more common in discussions about social services, health care provisions, and the needs of the elderly. The rise of geriatrics as a medical specialty also contributed to the popularity of the term, as healthcare practitioners began to focus more on age-specific issues and care strategies for the elderly, particularly those in their eighties.