1.
mature age, middle age
A polite, positive way to refer to middle age and beyond, typically people in their 50s and 60s. Emphasizes experience and maturity rather than aging.
熟年夫婦の旅行が人気だ。
Travel for mature couples is popular.
熟年離婚が増えているという記事を読んだ。
I read an article saying that late-life divorces are increasing.
熟年世代をターゲットにした健康食品の市場が拡大している。
The market for health foods targeting the mature generation is expanding.
USAGE:
A softer, more positive alternative to 中年 (middle-aged) or 高齢 (elderly). Commonly used in media, marketing, and social commentary. The compound 熟年離婚 (gray divorce) is a well-known social term in Japan.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 熟年離婚 (gray divorce, late-life divorce)
- 熟年夫婦 (mature couple)
- 熟年世代 (mature generation)
- 熟年層 (mature demographic)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 中年: middle-aged — neutral, sometimes slightly negative
- 熟年: mature — positive, emphasizes experience and fulfillment