Elderly describes people who are old, typically in their seventies or beyond. An elderly woman might be your grandmother's age, with gray hair and a lifetime of experiences behind her. An elderly man might move more slowly than he once did, using a cane to help him walk.

The word is respectful and straightforward, unlike terms that try too hard to sound polite or hide the reality of aging. People sometimes show courtesy and kindness by offering to help an elderly person who is struggling with heavy bags at the grocery store.

Elderly people have seen decades of changes: new technologies, historical events, cultural shifts. They remember a world before smartphones, sometimes even before television. Many elderly people stay active and sharp, continuing to work, travel, learn new skills, and contribute to their communities. Others need more care and assistance as their bodies become less strong and reliable.

The word can also describe things associated with old age or long existence, like an elderly building that's stood for a century. But it's most commonly used for people who've reached the later chapters of life, carrying with them all the wisdom, stories, and perspective that come with many years of living.