1.
hale and hearty, vigorous in old age
Describes elderly people who remain energetic, healthy, and mentally sharp despite their advanced age.
祖父は90歳でも矍鑠としている。
My grandfather is hale and hearty even at 90.
矍鑠たる老人が毎朝ジョギングをしている。
A vigorous old man jogs every morning.
彼女は80代とは思えないほど矍鑠としていて、毎日庭の手入れをしている。
She is so hale and hearty you wouldn't believe she's in her 80s, tending to her garden every day.
A literary and somewhat formal term used to praise elderly people who remain mentally and physically vigorous.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 矍鑠としている (is hale and hearty)
- 矍鑠たる〜 (hale and hearty ~, literary)
- 矍鑠とした老人 (a vigorous elderly person)
USAGE NOTE:
This is a complimentary term exclusively used for elderly people. The kanji are rare and difficult, so the word is often written in hiragana. It conveys admiration for those who defy the typical expectations of aging.