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"Old" vs "elderly": choosing the right word
Reviewed and edited by 
Anwar Kareem 03/12/2024, 08:31
Anwar Kareem 03/12/2024, 08:31English.me team member
What is similar?
Both "old" and "elderly" refer to an advanced age and can describe people who are not young.
What is different?
"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.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Old- The old house creaked with every step.
- She found an old book in the attic.
- My grandfather is old but still very active.
- The community center hosts events for elderly residents.
- An elderly man walked slowly with a cane.
- The hospital specializes in caring for elderly patients.
Difference
