At what age is a person classified as an elder?

In California, a person is classified as an elder when they are 65 years or older. This designation influences various legal and regulatory contexts, including healthcare, elder abuse laws, and social services. The age of 65 has traditionally been recognized as the threshold for defining senior citizens primarily due to its alignment with the age at which individuals become eligible for Medicare, thus affecting their access to healthcare services and protections. This classification is significant in ensuring that appropriate measures and resources are allocated to support the needs of the elder population, recognizing the unique challenges they may face.