What to expect when you turn 65?

Asked by: Miss Araceli Kunde  |  Last update: January 28, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (59 votes)

As you likely know, 65 is the age you first become eligible for Medicare. It is also a great time to consider the changes that will come to your life affecting your finances, your health and general physical well-being. You might also want to take advantage of some perks that come with age.

What happens to your body at 65?

Your muscles, liver, kidney, and other organs may lose some of their cells. This process of muscle loss is called atrophy. Bones may lose some of their minerals and become less dense (a process that may lead to a condition called osteopenia in the early stages and osteoporosis in the later stages).

Why is 65 an important age?

Not only is this an important age for government programs like Medicare and Social Security, but it's also a perfect time to check other parts of your financial plan, particularly if you're about to retire.

What should a 65 year old be doing?

Hobbies and Interests: This time might be spent on hobbies (gardening, reading, crafting), volunteering, or attending classes or workshops. Rest: Some may take a short nap or relax at home to recharge. Errands: Many seniors might run errands, go grocery shopping, or attend medical appointments.

At what age does your body age the most?

For example, the team suggests that the biological aging process isn't steady and appears to accelerate periodically — with the greatest bursts coming, on average, around ages 34, 60, and 78.

Do These 3 Things as Soon as You Turn 65

23 related questions found

At what age do you start feeling tired and old?

Generally, the more years that pass, the more you'll value your beauty sleep, and its true senior fatigue is a real thing. However, most people start experiencing a decline in their energy levels by the time they reach their mid-thirties.

At what age does your face change most?

Most people begin to notice a shift in the appearance of their face around their 40's and 50's, with some also noticing a change in their 30's. But with these physical changes brought on by aging also comes a change in the appearance of our face - Luckily, there is treatment available.

What is the life expectancy of a 65 year old person?

Now men in the United States aged 65 can expect to live 17 more years on average. Women aged 65 years can expect to live around 19.7 more years on average. As of 2021, the average life expectancy at birth in the United States was 76.33 years.

What changes when you turn 65?

Turning 65 marks a new chapter of a person's life. There are benefits that become available to you in this new chapter, most notably Medicare. Medicare is the government-sponsored program that entitles most adults age 65 or older to medical insurance. The Medicare program is divided into four parts—A, B, C, and D.

How far should a 65 year old walk every day?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), healthy seniors should walk 7,000 – 10,000 steps per day. That's an average of three to three and a half miles throughout the course of a day.

Do I have to do anything when I turn 65?

You should typically sign up for Medicare around your 65th birthday. You can apply for age-based Social Security between ages 62 and 70. You may be able to delay signing up for some parts of Medicare. You may be automatically enrolled in Medicare if you're receiving Social Security.

What stage of life is a 65 years old?

The United States' older adult population can thus, be divided into three life-stage subgroups: the young-old (approximately 65 to 74 years old), the middle-old (ages 75 to 84 years old), and the old-old (over age 85).

What is the 65th birthday known for?

65 marks the age when many people retire from their jobs and begin enjoying some much-needed leisure time with family and friends. 65th birthdays are a time to celebrate what has been achieved in life, plan for the future, and most importantly- have fun! 65 brings with it a newfound sense of freedom.

Do you get tired at 65?

Fatigue is a common companion of many illnesses that beset older adults, typically those 65 and older: heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lung disease, kidney disease, and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, among others.

What is the most common health concern after age 65?

Common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and dementia. As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.

What happens to the brain at 65?

Certain parts of the brain shrink, including those important to learning and other complex mental activities. In certain brain regions, communication between neurons may be less effective. Blood flow in the brain may decrease. Inflammation, which occurs when the body responds to an injury or disease, may increase.

At what age do seniors start slowing down?

Declines in walking speed and aerobic endurance became evident in the 60s and 70s. More physical activity was associated with less physical decline, especially in ages 60 to 79.

What to do 3 months before turning 65?

If you are approaching age 65 and you're not receiving early retirement Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you can apply for Medicare during your 7-month initial enrollment period (IEP). Your IEP begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month of your birthday and ends 3 months later.

How do you know if you're aging well?

Aging well often means having sustained energy levels throughout the day. Adequate rest, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy sleep habits contribute to maintaining high energy levels. Aging well involves being able to engage in physical activities and hobbies without significant limitations or discomfort.

What is the single largest cause of death after age 65?

It is important to understand these diseases, know when and where to get treatment, and know how you can live with them to help prolong life and health. This article outlines the top causes of death for adults over the age of 65, starting with the number one cause: heart disease.

What body type lives the longest?

Pear Shape

It's more common among women, and it may be part of the reason they often live longer than men. That could be because belly fat, more common in men, is linked to more health problems than lower-body fat. One study found that in some cases fat in the hips and thighs was linked to lower odds for some diseases.

What is the number one indicator of a long life?

Strength, balance and mobility are the best predictors of a long life.

What makes a woman look older than her age?

Skin: Things like excessive sun damage, liver spots, and enlarged pores are common foes that age our skin quicker than we'd like. Another thing that may affect your skin and make it look older is an uneven complexion caused by loss of collagen and elastin.

How to look 20 years younger than your age?

8 Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance
  1. Stay out of the sun. While it's true that the sun isn't the only factor in the overall appearance of your skin, it does play a huge role. ...
  2. Drink plenty of water. ...
  3. Get some ZZZs. ...
  4. Rub it in. ...
  5. Eat a diet rich in plants. ...
  6. Get moving. ...
  7. Establish a good routine. ...
  8. Limit alcohol and caffeine.

How do you know if you are aging too fast?

It's when your body looks older than your actual age. The most common signs of premature aging include: Skin changes like wrinkles, age spots, dryness, loss of skin tone, hyperpigmentation around your chest and sagging.