older adults

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "older adults" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are in their later years of life, typically over the age of 65. For example, "We need to ensure we're providing ample resources for older adults in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Older adults satisfaction of other assistive devices" section focuses on presenting older adults' satisfaction of other assistive devices.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Older adults who are involved in intergenerational activities feel happier than other older adults.

Huffington Post

And older adults too".

The New York Times

How about "older adults"?

The Guardian

Pneumonia in older adults.

Stanford University

Why do older adults fall?

Harvard University

Will exercise help older adults?

Harvard University

Children and older adults need one another.

The New York Times

Vestibular rehabilitation of older adults with dizziness.

Stanford University

Should older adults shy away from aspirin?

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Quantify Yourself: Are Older Adults Ready?

Springer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "older adults", use person-first language (e.g., 'adults with dementia' instead of 'demented adults') to emphasize their humanity and individuality.

Common error

Be mindful of potentially ageist language. Avoid terms that perpetuate negative stereotypes or infantilize "older adults". Focus on respectful and accurate descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "older adults" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific group of people, referring to individuals in their later years of life. Ludwig shows that this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "older adults" is a grammatically correct and widely used term to refer to individuals in their later years. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase suitable for various contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific domains, it serves to categorize and discuss issues related to this demographic. While alternatives like "senior citizens" or "elderly individuals" exist, "older adults" is often favored for its respectful and neutral tone. When using this phrase, it's essential to avoid ageist language and prioritize person-first terminology, emphasizing the individuality and humanity of the individuals being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

senior citizens

A common and widely understood term for older people, often used in a respectful or official context.

elderly people

A straightforward and commonly used alternative.

elderly individuals

A more formal and sometimes clinical way to refer to older people, often used in research or healthcare settings.

the elderly

A general term for people in the later stages of life, though some find it less respectful than "older adults".

aging population

Focuses on the demographic trend of an increasing number of older people in a society.

older generation

Emphasizes the generational aspect and the role of older people in society.

the aged

A concise term, though it can sometimes sound impersonal or clinical.

retirees

Focuses on the employment status of older people, implying they are no longer working.

golden agers

A more positive and euphemistic term, suggesting a fulfilling and enjoyable stage of life.

seasoned citizens

Implies wisdom and experience gained over a long life.

FAQs

How should I use "older adults" in a sentence?

Use "older adults" as you would any noun phrase, ensuring it fits grammatically and contextually. For example, "The study focused on the health outcomes of "older adults" in urban environments".

What's a more formal alternative to "older adults"?

Alternatives such as "elderly individuals" or "senior citizens" can be suitable in formal contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "the elderly" instead of "older adults"?

While "the elderly" is commonly used, "older adults" is generally preferred as it is considered more respectful and less likely to perpetuate negative stereotypes. However, "the elderly" remains acceptable in many contexts.

What are some respectful ways to refer to people over 65?

Respectful terms include "older adults", "senior citizens", or simply referring to individuals by name or as "older people" when appropriate. Avoid terms that could be perceived as patronizing or diminishing.