Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Your Term:
OLD AGE
The age at which a person qualifies for certain privileges in ecclesiastical law or becomes subject to certain juridical limitations. This is a relatively new development in the Catholic Church as a result of the general increase in longevity throughout the world. Age now affects the tenure of bishops and cardinals and pastors. The sacrament of anointing may now also be conferred "on aged who are greatly weakened in strength, even though there is no sign of a dangerous illness."
