Old vs. elderly: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Old is a more general term and can refer to anything that has aged, while elderly is more specific and respectfully refers to people who are advanced in age.
What they have in common
Both old and elderly refer to an advanced age and can describe people who are not young.
Examples
old
- The old house creaked with every step.
- She found an old book in the attic.
- My grandfather is old but still very active.
elderly
- The community center hosts events for elderly residents.
- An elderly man walked slowly with a cane.
- The hospital specializes in caring for elderly patients.
Which one is more common?
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