The Three Stages of Old Age

Old age has three stages: the Go-Go years, the Slow-Go years, and the No-Go years. A Census Bureau analysis of the disability status of Americans aged 65 or older, based on data from the American Community Survey, confirms this reality.

• The Go-Go elderly are aged 65 to 74. Only 26.4 percent are disabled. 
• The Slow-Go elderly are aged 75 to 84, when a larger 45.0 percent are disabled.
• The No-Go elderly are aged 85 or older. Fully 72.5 percent are disabled. 

Among the disabled elderly, the most common problem is difficulty walking or climbing stairs, experienced by two out of three.

Source: Census Bureau, Older Americans with a Disability: 2008-2012