The elderly can be classified into many criteria.
Classifying them allows for a more detailed and accurate analysis of the diversity within this age group and makes diagnosis and treatment planning more personalised.
The following is a common classification of the elderly according to age group.

Young-old → 65-74
Middle-old → 75-84
Oldest-old → ≥ 85
The dental classification of ageing however is more useful if it is based on the patient’s ability to seek dental care independently.

Frail elderly have chronic, debilitating, physical, medical and emotional problems who are unable to maintain independence without continued assistance from others.
As a result, the majority of the frail elderly live in the community with support services.

Functionally dependent elderly have chronic, debilitating, physical and medical or emotional problems or any combination that compromises their capacity to the extent where they are unable to maintain independence and as a result are homebound or institutionalized
The elderly can be classified into many criteria. Classifying them allows for a more detailed and accurate analysis of the diversity within this age group and makes diagnosis and treatment planning more personalised. The following is a common classification of the elderly according to age group.
Young-old → 65-74
Middle-old → 75-84
Oldest-old → ≥ 85
The dental classification of ageing however is more useful if it is based on the patient’s ability to seek dental care independently.
Frail elderly have chronic, debilitating, physical, medical and emotional problems who are unable to maintain independence without continued assistance from others. As a result, the majority of the frail elderly live in the community with support services.
Functionally dependent elderly have chronic, debilitating, physical and medical or emotional problems or any combination that compromises their capacity to the extent where they are unable to maintain independence and as a result are homebound or institutionalized
Geriatric dentistry