elderly years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elderly years" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the later years of an older person's life. For example, you could say, "In her elderly years, Grandma was still a sharp bridge player."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He noticed that some artists peak young but others, like Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt, Turner and Cézanne, peaked in their elderly years.

The New York Times

While it is hardly astonishing that choices like not smoking are associated with longer life, it is significant that these behaviors in the early elderly years — all of them modifiable — so strongly predict survival into extreme old age.

The New York Times

F. Willis Caruso, director of the John Marshall Law School Fair Housing Clinic in Chicago, a center that defends people facing eviction, said, "The aging population is healthier, and people are not looking for assisted or nursing-home housing until they are well into the frail elderly years".

The New York Times

This involves, especially for sons, the care for parents in their elderly years (see Ho 1996).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

IgG4-related disease tends to affect people in the middle-aged to elderly years.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Participants were grouped into 6 age groups assumed to approximate key social or behavioral groups: <1 (infant), 1-5 (pre-school), 6-15 (primary school), 16-19 (schoolary school), 20-49 (andlts), and ≥50 (elderly) years.

EPJ Data Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In particular, baseline differences between elderly (⩾70 years) and younger (<70 years) patients were assessed.

British Journal of Cancer

When data (not shown) was stratified to elderly (≥60 years) and non-elderly (<60 years), we failed to show an association between these sub-groups and BDZ usage.

Plosone

With regard to exposure via food, separate exposure values are already determined for 'the elderly' (>65 years) and occasionally 'the very elderly' (>80 years).

Archives of Toxicology

Ten cases (37.0%) occurred among the elderly (>70 years of age) and 6 (22.2%) in adults 45 60 years of age.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Twelve elderly (>50 years) subjects participated in a fixed-base driving experiment.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the elderly, consider using the phrase "elderly years" to specifically denote the period of life when individuals are considered elderly, often to distinguish it from middle age or earlier stages.

Common error

Avoid assuming all individuals in their "elderly years" have the same experiences, health conditions, or capabilities. Recognize the diversity within this age group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elderly years" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to specify a time period or stage of life. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elderly years" is a grammatically sound and usable term for referring to the later stages of life. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples showing its application across various domains. While the phrase is most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication styles. Alternatives like "old age" or "later life" offer similar meanings, but "elderly years" provides specific focus on the period of being elderly. When using this term, it's important to avoid generalizations and respect the individuality of older adults.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

old age

This is a more general and common term for the later part of life.

later life

Focuses on the time aspect of the advanced age.

golden years

This phrase implies a positive and fulfilling stage of life.

advanced age

Highlights the degree of being old.

seniority

Focuses on the state of being a senior, often in terms of age.

twilight years

Evokes a sense of the end of life's journey.

autumn of life

A metaphorical expression that likens old age to the autumn season.

declining years

Emphasizes the decreasing physical or mental capabilities.

third age

A sociological term for the period after retirement and before frailty.

sunset years

Similar to twilight years, symbolizing the approaching end of life.

FAQs

Is it better to say "elderly years" or "old age"?

"Old age" is a more general term, while "elderly years" specifically refers to the period when someone is considered elderly. Both are acceptable, but "elderly years" can be more precise in certain contexts.

What are some alternative phrases for "elderly years"?

Alternatives include "later life", "golden years", or "advanced age", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

At what age do "elderly years" typically begin?

While there's no strict definition, "elderly years" commonly refers to the period after 65. However, the perception and experience can vary significantly.

How can I respectfully refer to someone in their "elderly years"?

Focus on their individual qualities and experiences rather than solely their age. Treat them with the same respect and consideration you would give anyone else, regardless of age.