Footnote

a Leviticus 27:1-7 refers to the redemption of individuals ‘offered’ (by means of a vow) to the temple as laborers. The redemption price varied according to age. At age 60 this price fell precipitously, evidently because a person that old was felt to be unable to work as hard as a younger one. The Encyclopædia Judaica further says: “According to the Talmud, old age . . . begins at 60.”