What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elderly
Example
The elderly couple enjoyed their retirement by traveling around the world. [elderly: adjective]
Example
She volunteers at the local community center to help the elderly with their daily tasks. [elderly: noun]
geriatric
Example
The hospital has a geriatric ward that provides specialized care for older patients. [geriatric: adjective]
Example
He is a geriatric specialist who focuses on treating age-related health issues. [geriatric: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elderly is more commonly used than geriatric in everyday language. Elderly is a neutral term that can be used to describe any older adult, while geriatric is specifically used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elderly and geriatric?
Geriatric is a more formal term than elderly, as it is primarily used in medical contexts. Elderly is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
