高齢(こうれい)

こうれい
noun
old age; advanced age; elderly
formalperson
1. old age; advanced age
The state of being elderly or at an advanced age. A neutral and respectful term commonly used in official, medical, and social contexts.
高齢(こうれい)の方(かた)にはこちらの席(せき)をどうぞ。
Please offer this seat to elderly people.
日本(にほん)は高齢化(こうれいか)社会(しゃかい)が進(すす)んでいる。
Japan's aging society is advancing.
祖母(そぼ)は高齢(こうれい)にもかかわらず毎朝(まいあさ)散歩(さんぽ)を欠(か)かさない。
Despite her advanced age, my grandmother never misses her morning walk.

A respectful, neutral term for old age. Preferred over 年寄(としよ)り in official and polite contexts.

Compounds

In Japan, 高齢者(こうれいしゃ) officially refers to people aged 65 and older. 高齢(こうれい)運転者(うんてんしゃ)マーク (elderly driver mark) is required for drivers aged 70+.

Related Words

Related: 高齢者(こうれいしゃ) (elderly person)
Compare: 老齢(ろうれい) (old age)
general
Added 2026.3.2 18:34 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14648_kourei