Old and Elderly

[GoodDay]

Hello everybody,

Is "elderly" considered to be more polite than "old" when describing people?

Like here, for example:

"Please take into consideration that my client is an elderly lady.." ?

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Is "olderly" accepted nowdays? I've bumped into a couple of "olderlies" during my Google search.

Thank you.

[Rover_KE]

Is "elderly" considered to be more polite than "old" when describing people? Yes definitely.

Is "olderly" accepted nowdays? I don't think it's ever been accepted.

Rover

[emsr2d2]

"Elderly" is definitely more polite, perhaps more formal. Even though we informally say "He is in an old people's home", the homes themselves generally use "Home for the Elderly".

An old guy walked past me.
An elderly gentleman walked past me.

I have never heard "olderly" in my life. Remember that you can find almost anything on Google - that doesn't make it right.

[5jj]

For me, it's purely personal. I accept that I am getting old (I'm coming up to 66). If 'old' is used of me, I accept that it is a statement of fact. I am no longer young and, although I think they are wrong, most people no longer think of me as 'middle-aged'. So, I am old. Fact.

However, when people start referring to me as 'elderly', then I will know I am past my 'best-by' date. 'Elderly' means, to me, restricted by advancing years, bent, shuffling, possibly dribbling, and secretly incontinent.

[SoothingDave]

When they start referring to you as "66 years young" watch out!

[GoodDay]

I thank Rover_KE, emsr2d2, 5jj and SoothingDave for the replies.

I like when people express different opinions reflecting upon their personal lives;)

Thank you.

[Tdol]

One term currently favoured is older people, which is a good alternative IMO.

[TheParser]

Is "elderly" considered to be more polite than "old" when describing people?

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


(1) IF I make it to March 31, I shall be 75 years old.

(2) I agree with 5jj: I would rather be called "old" than "elderly." The word

"elderly" gives me the impression of someone who is pathetically decrepit

(broken down).

(3) Here in the United States, we use "senior citizen" for us old/elderly people.

(4) It is also said that we are in our "golden years." Believe me, there is nothing

golden about being old. (My monthly bus pass does, however, cost me only $14 while

the younger ones have to pay about $50!)

[david11]

It is really great of you(highly respected) older people to spend your time in answering the questions only with the motive of helping others and without any personal gain.

I am just 21 but I often feel lazy to read(and learn from) the forum for more than an hour but most of you,particularly 5jj sir, spend more time in helping others.


I think you people should teach(besides English) how to lead a systematic life to young people like us.


P.s. Parsar sir you are 75 years old!! I thought you would be around 40 while sending you couple of private messages.

[Rover_KE]

My monthly bus pass does, however, cost me only $14.

Over 65s here get a free bus pass.

Rover