Who are considered old dependents?

Old dependents are typically defined as individuals who are considered to be beyond the typical working age. This classification often refers to those who are 65 years of age and older, as this group generally relies more on social support systems, pensions, or family for economic needs, given that they are less likely to be employed full-time. Age 65 has traditionally been viewed as a benchmark for retirement in many countries, marking a time when individuals may transition out of the labor force.

This demographic is crucial in social and economic studies, as the increasing proportion of older dependents in a population raises questions about healthcare, pensions, and social services, impacting policy-making and resource distribution. The other responses do not align with this definition; for instance, individuals under 16 are typically classified as young dependents, while those between 16 and 65 usually fall within the working-age population, contributing to the economy. Retired individuals may or may not be over the age of 65 and are sometimes still involved in the workforce on a part-time or voluntary basis, so this classification can be less straightforward.