Polite words for an old person include older adult, senior, senior citizen, or elder, with "older adult" often preferred for its neutrality, while using the person's name (e.g., "Mr. Smith") or role (e.g., "Grandpa") is always best. Terms like "elderly" can sometimes sound negative, and it's always most respectful to ask how someone prefers to be described.
In casual conversation and informal writing, the polite word for an old person is senior or senior citizen, as in this example: Seniors (or senior citizens) qualify for a discount at most movie theaters.
Even though it's similar, the word elders avoids the stigma of elderly. Instead, it has a positive flavor. A flavor associated with respect and prestige. With accumulated knowledge and wisdom.
The top 10 positive & impactful synonyms for “old person” are elder, sage, veteran, patriarch/ matriarch, senior, time-honored individual, golden ager, wisdom bearer, seasoned soul, and grand elder.
A person between 60 and 69 is called a sexagenarian. A person between 70 and 79 is called a septuagenarian.
geriatric. over-the-hill. senescent. ancient. senior.
Words of Encouragement for Seniors
Old bat: A senile older woman. Old cow: A rude term for an older woman, especially one who is overweight or obese and homely. Old fart: A boring and old-fashioned silly person. Olderly: Newfoundland slang term for "elderly"; can be offensive or neutral depending on the context.
Elderly is often used for older people in a respectful manner. It suggests kindness and politeness when describing someone's age. Elderly is usually heard when talking about care, community, or family. Unlike just saying old, elderly makes the description softer and gentler, showing care.
Call people sir or ma'am.
Some elderly people may be more traditional, and prefer that you call them Mr./Mrs. So-and-So. Always ask what name they prefer you call them. Use sir or ma'am when you don't feel comfortable asking.
Old is associated with elderly, frail, past it, over the hill, decrepit – even words such as mature, senior or pensioner are terms that diminish the perceived value of older adults.
Older adults was the winner and it's the term you hear used most frequently. It's considered politically correct, but in a way I don't think it says very much. I mean, older than what? Seniors was tolerable; likewise for elders.
Synonyms for older include:
septuagenarian. A septuagenarian is someone in their 70s (70 to 79 years old), or someone who is 70 years old. Some of the words we highlighted above are rarely used, but what's interesting is that septuagenarian and octogenarian (coming next) are actually more commonly used.
A nonagenarian is someone in their 90s (90 to 99 years old), or someone who is 90 years old.
Here's how to refer to an elderly person using some classic #BritishSlang! * **OAP:** Short for "old age pensioner."👵 * **Old Fogey:** For someone stuck in their ways. 👴 * **Biddy:** A term for an older woman. 👵 * **Fossil:** When someone feels ancient.
"Elderly" isn't a fixed age, but typically starts around 60-65 years, aligning with retirement ages and eligibility for senior programs in many developed countries, though the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests 60+. Some definitions, like the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "prospective age," focus on remaining life expectancy (around 15 more years), while cultures and specific programs (like for Indigenous Australians) may set lower thresholds (50+) or consider cultural roles (Elders).
golden ager oldster senior citizen senior seniors.
'Getting Old Isn't For the Faint of Heart'
They deserve respect for the wisdom they have gained through their experiences. Encourage your aging parent to share their life stories.
Say this instead: The terms older adults and seniors are preferred when speaking of people over 60 years old. These terms are more inclusive and respectful, and they do not have the same negative connotations as the term elderly.
Yes, it is correct to say “age gracefully.” This phrase is widely used to describe embracing aging with acceptance, dignity, and a focus on maintaining well-being, rather than resisting the natural process.
advanced in age. aged ancient decrepit elderly gray mature tired venerable. STRONG. fossil senior versed veteran.
The Beauty of Aging