Altersdefinition

Altersdefinition is the concept of defining age for a person within a given context. It specifies which criterion is used to determine age and how that age is classified or utilized. In many domains, chronological age is the default: the integer number of years since birth. However, other dimensions can be included or substituted, such as biological age (physiological condition), functional age (capability in daily activities), or psychosocial age (expected roles and behaviors in a cultural context). The choice of definition affects research design, policy, and interpretation of results.

In research, age can be treated as a continuous variable or divided into categories (e.g., child, adolescent, adult, senior). The boundaries of these categories are often arbitrary and vary by study, culture, and legal framework. In policy and law, age thresholds determine rights and responsibilities (voting, driving, drinking, military service) and eligibility for education, healthcare, welfare, or pensions. Because different jurisdictions may use different thresholds, explicit Altersdefinition is essential for comparisons and compliance.

In data collection, Altersdefinition affects data quality. Ages may be self-reported or drawn from official records; errors or misreporting can occur. Researchers and policymakers should document the exact definition used, the age range of categories, the units (years, months), and any adjustments for time or cohort effects.

In sum, Altersdefinition is about how age is defined and operationalized for a specific purpose, reflecting trade-offs among precision, relevance, and comparability across contexts.