高齢(こうれい)

こうれい
noun
old age; advanced age; elderly
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.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 高齢者(こうれいしゃ) (elderly person — the standard official term)
  • 高齢化(こうれいか) (aging — of a population)
  • 高齢化(こうれいか)社会(しゃかい) (aging society)
  • 高齢(こうれい)出産(しゅっさん) (childbirth at advanced age)
  • 後期(こうき)高齢者(こうれいしゃ) (people aged 75 and over)

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+.

general
Added 2026.3.2 18:34
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