# elderly

/ˈɛɫdɝɫi/ (US) · /ˈɛldəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elderly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. older people as a group

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

older people considered as a group.

For teachers: a collective noun referring to the segment of the population that is of advanced age.

- The government is looking for new ways to provide better healthcare for the elderly.
- The city council has allocated additional funding to ensure that the elderly have access to reliable public transport during the winter months.

Usage: Always used with 'the' (the elderly) and takes a plural verb.

## Examples

- The government is building new housing for the elderly.
- The local community center offers several free exercise classes specifically designed to help the elderly stay active.
- Public policy must address the unique healthcare challenges faced by the elderly, particularly as life expectancy continues to rise across the developed world.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.