elderly

"Elderly" is an adjective for people who are advanced in age, usually older adults who are near or past the age when many people retire. It does not have a strict age limit, but it often refers to people in their late sixties, seventies, or older. The word is common in writing and speech when the focus is on age as a social or practical fact.

You will often see it in contexts such as healthcare, public policy, housing, safety, and community support. Phrases like "elderly patients," "elderly residents," and "care for the elderly" are common. In these cases, the word helps group older people as a category when talking about services, risks, or needs that are more common later in life.

At the same time, the tone of "elderly" depends on context. Many people understand it as a normal and polite word, but others feel it sounds too broad, outdated, or slightly distancing. Because of that, terms like "older adults" are sometimes preferred, especially in modern public writing. Even so, "elderly" is still widely used and clearly understood.

In a story, you might describe an elderly neighbor walking slowly to the market, an elderly teacher sharing memories from decades ago, or an elderly couple sitting quietly in the park. In each case, the word points mainly to advanced age, and sometimes also suggests the physical or social realities that can come with it.