how old is elie at this point?How old is his father How old do they say there are?Why are they advised to lie about thier age

Elie is about to turn fifteen and his father is fifty years old. Elie says that he is eighteen and his father says he is forty. They are advised to lie about their age because they will have better oppertunities of living and better working conditions. The younger and healthier the better it is for them.