All are required to abstain from meat on the Lenten Fridays starting at the age of fourteen. There is no upper age-limit on abstinence after which the person is automatically excused, but those who need to eat meat for a medical reason may be dispensed from the abstinence requirement. In the United States, the fasting requirement begins at the age of eighteen and continues until the person turns 59. At age 59, a person is automatically excused from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; but, if health permits, may participate in the fast should he choose to do so.
