Several individuals are of the opinion that the words “elderly” and “elderlies” can be used interchangeably or that they have the same meaning. This is a popular thought of these words, and as a writer, you should be sure of such beliefs before using them in writing. This article will help you understand the connection between both words and their meaning.
The words “elderly” and “elderlies” are used similarly in a sentence. However, as nouns, the distinction between the two words is that the word “elderly” refers to being old or living for a considerable amount of time. However, the word “elderlies” is the plural of the word “elderly.”
Using the correct word in a sentence is imperative when writing; this way, you can pass the right information to your readers. This article will look into the definitions, usage, and examples of the words “elderly” and “elderlies.”
What Do The Words “Elderly” And “Elderlies” Mean?
The word “elderly” can be defined as being outdated or feeble due to aging. It refers to being older beyond early adulthood, on the verge of old age, as in elderly persons. This word also means being older in years.
The elderly refers to a stage of life that occurs well after middle age. It also refers to an individual that has lived for more than 65 years. The word “elderly” can also mean being a feature of, or being, an older person or their later years.
It is rather neutral when used as a noun to refer to older people in general, designating a group of individuals who possess the trait of advanced age: policy matters of particular importance to the elderly.
The elderly, on the other hand, has a variety of implications that extend beyond the significance of biological age when employed as an adjective to describe a specific individual. Sitting beside an elderly guy at the event can, on one hand, imply dignity and show respect thanks to its slightly formal tone.
On the other hand, it may seem condescending if it implies fragility or limited capacity: I was caught in traffic beside an elderly motorist. Regardless of different meanings, using a term like “the elderly couple in the middle row” implies a pair is older than it is. Elderly people frequently have less capacity for regeneration and are more prone to diseases like AIDS, hemorrhoids, herpes, and others than younger adults.
A variety of additional fields and professions deal with aging and the elderly, including senior athletics and activities for older people, as well as organic processes of growing, published research on the maturation process, diseases that affect older adults, and technology to assist an aging society.
Senior citizen is a slang term for an elderly person frequently used in American and occasionally British English. It suggests that the subject is a retired individual. This thus typically indicates that the individual is past retirement age, although it varies by country.
The word “elderlies” can be defined as a group of older individuals above sixty-five or who have passed the retirement age in their country. This word is a plural of the word “elderly.”
The word “elderlies” is also a different way of referring to the elders. It is also another way of referring to a group of older people. Since the chronological age that is considered “old age” changes culturally and historically, old age is not a specific biological stage.
How To Properly Use The Words “Elderly” And “Elderlies” In A Sentence
The word “elderly” is frequently used to describe an older adult. Old-fashioned or “very old” are definitions of the word “elderly.” “Aged,” “ancient,” “geriatric,” “senescent,” and “old” are all synonyms for elderly. The term “elderly” is frequently used to imply decline and failure.
By highlighting unfavorable or stereotypical age elements, the term “elderly” can be perceived as ageist and derogatory. A nice approach to saying that someone is elderly is to use the adjective elderly.
When you refer to anything as elderly, you are usually joking about how it is fairly outdated and not quite as good or effective as a new one. The term “elderly” relates to individuals who are 65 years of age or older; those in this age range are called “early elderly,” and those beyond 75 are called “late elderly.”
The phrase “the elderly, the disabled” is no longer considered appropriate when referring to any class because it minimizes individuality and feeds stereotypes. For similar reasons, many people choose to talk about older individuals over elderly individuals. Use terms like “challenged persons” and similar ones instead.
The word “elderlies” is used in a sentence when referring to a group or a set of old people. It is also used as a plural for the word “elderly.” However, the term “elderlies” is rarely used in a sentence; hence, as writers, it might not be necessary for you to use it when writing.
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Examples Of The Words “Elderly” And “Elderlies” Used In Sentences
Although the words “elderly” and “elderlies” are connected, they are used in different contexts in a sentence. Examining some examples of this word in a sentence will provide more clarity on how to use both words in a sentence. Below are some examples of the word “elderly” in a sentence.
- Children and the elderly should never receive it; it should never be administered to a paralyzed limb where the healing ability is weak or to areas where the patient is lying because doing so will likely result in a bed sore.
- Invisible to most people, an elderly dame also lives in my area. I like to wander through her pungent herb garden occasionally to harvest simples and hear her tell tales since she has an unmatched capacity for memory that goes back further than mythology.
- While the officer was providing these answers, an elderly lieutenant approached him; he patiently waited for him to conclude before interrupting him, apparently not appreciating the officer’s comments.
- Additionally, it works as a diuretic to assist the body flush out extra salt and water; Hawthorne is generally considered safe, but use caution when administering it to infants, pregnant women, or the elderly.
- Even elderly and sober doctors caught a sufficient amount of infection to free their minds; in various diseases, post-mortem pathology, and the circulation of mechanisms, they cracked upon the view.
- When he was elected a bishop, he had already become an elderly man with a solid reputation; he had the same ardent fervor and adaptability as an academic statesman while serving as a bishop.
- Typically, senior centers plan and oversee various leisure programs for the elderly, such as arts and crafts, cultural outings, exercise regimens, and sometimes even daily trips to nearby locations.
- You may notice several frequent abuse indications if you are an elderly person who feels like you have been mistreated or if you are a colleague, friend, or relative of an elderly person who may be abused.
- Whether a confused elderly who likes playing cards, interactive games, or athletics can no longer participate in the same games they once enjoyed, you can try alternatives so your beloved one can engage in similar activities.
- If you know where to search, finding the ideal present for the elderly is simple; options range from Remote control controls with huge buttons and talking alarm clocks to customized backpacks that connect to wheelchairs and amplified cell phones.
Final Thoughts
The words “elderly” and “elderlies” cannot and should not be used interchangeably. The term “elderlies” cannot be found in some dictionaries, so some writers consider it obsolete. However, you should only use it when referring to a group of elderly individuals. With the explanation provided above, you should know the correct way to use both words in writing.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.