island. 1  a tract of land completely surrounded by water, and not large enough to be called a continent. 2  something resembling an island, especially in being isolated or having little or no direct communication with others.
While you can begin making qualified withdrawals from a traditional IRA at age 59Â½, you must start taking withdrawals that are known as required minimum distributions starting in the year you turn 70 Â½.
Once you reach 70Â½, you will be required to take a minimum distribution from a traditional IRA. The IRS has very specific rules about how much you must take out each year. This is called the required minimum distribution (RMD).