Synonyms for
Elderly
Definition
Elderly means old, especially referring to a person who is advanced in age.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- elderly people
- elderly care
- elderly population
- elderly gentleman
- elderly woman
- elderly relative
- elderly parents
Word family
Usage note
While 'elderly' is a polite term, it can sometimes sound a bit distant. 'Older' is often a more direct and less formal alternative. Avoid using 'old' directly to refer to people unless in specific contexts where it's clearly not derogatory.
Example sentences
- The elderly couple enjoyed their retirement in Florida.
- My grandmother is becoming more frail as she gets elderly.
- The nursing home was filled with elderly residents.
- The doctor specializes in treating elderly patients with dementia.
- The elderly man struggled to carry his groceries home.
Quotes
The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in seventy or eighty years. Your body changes, but you don't change at all. - Doris Lessing
Old age is not a disease - it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illnesses. - Maggie Kuhn
Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional. - Walt Disney