Old age refers to the later stage of human life, typically starting after retirement.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the final stage of human life.
- Commonly associated with retirement and aging.
- Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Overview
- 1概览：老年是人生发展的最后阶段，标志着从职业生涯向退休生活的转变。在现代社会中，随着医疗水平的提高，老年人的生活质量和健康状况受到广泛关注。2) 使用模式：该词常与“进入”、“步入”等动词搭配，表示人生阶段的跨越。它也可以作为定语，修饰如“生活”、“保险”、“护理”等词汇。3) 常见语境：常出现在关于养老政策、健康养生、家庭伦理以及人口统计学的讨论中。例如，在谈论退休计划时，人们会提到“老年生活”。4) 近义词辨析：与“晚年”相比，“老年”更侧重于生理年龄的阶段划分，而“晚年”则更多带有情感色彩，指人生的最后一段时光，包含对过去的回顾与总结。
Examples
我们需要为老年生活做好经济准备。
everydayWe need to prepare financially for our old age.
政府出台了多项针对老年人的福利政策。
formalThe government has introduced several welfare policies for the elderly.
他退休后，老年生活过得很充实。
informalAfter retirement, his life in old age is very fulfilling.
老年心理学是心理学的一个重要分支。
academicGeropsychology is an important branch of psychology.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
老年公寓
Retirement home
老年大学
University for the elderly
老年痴呆
Dementia
Often Confused With
While '老年' refers to the chronological stage, '晚年' refers to the later years of one's life, often carrying a more emotional or reflective tone.
'老龄' is more commonly used in demographic contexts, such as '老龄化' (aging population), rather than describing an individual's life stage.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '老年' is neutral and objective. It is widely used in both formal reports and daily conversation. When referring to people, always attach '人' (person) to form '老年人' to be polite and clear.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '老年' as a direct adjective like 'old' in English, but it must be used as a noun or part of a noun phrase. For example, do not say '他很老年', which is grammatically incorrect. Always use '他是老年人' or '他进入了老年阶段'.
Tips
Use it with verbs of movement
Pair '老年' with verbs like '进入' (enter) or '步入' (step into) to describe the transition into this life stage.
Avoid using it offensively
While '老年' is neutral, be careful when referring to individuals. Using '老年人' is polite, but avoid blunt terms that might sound disrespectful.
Respect for the elderly
In Chinese culture, respect for the elderly is a core value. Using terms like '老年' in a caring context is highly appreciated.
Word Origin
The character '老' depicts an elderly person with a cane, symbolizing age. Combined with '年' (year), it literally describes the years of being old.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the elderly are traditionally held in high esteem, often referred to as '长辈' (elders). Using '老年' in formal contexts is respectful, but in family settings, titles like '爷爷' or '奶奶' are preferred.
Memory Tip
Think of '老' (old) + '年' (years) = the years when you are old. It is a straightforward combination of two basic characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“老年”是一个抽象的时间段或阶段概念，而“老人”是指处于这一阶段的具体的人。例如，我们说“进入老年”，但我们说“照顾老人”。
在生理学和社会学定义中，通常以60岁或65岁为界限。不过，随着社会发展，这个定义也在不断演变。
在汉语中，“老年”主要用作名词，但常作定语修饰其他名词，如“老年人”、“老年生活”，在语感上等同于形容词。
非常常用。无论是在家庭对话还是新闻报道中，它都是描述年龄段的标准用语。
Test Yourself
随着医疗水平的提高，人们的___生活质量越来越好。
根据上下文语境，这里讨论的是生命后期的生活质量。
以下哪种表达是正确的？
“老年”通常修饰名词“人”，组成“老年人”表示具体群体。
步入 / 他 / 已经 / 老年 / 阶段
标准的中文主谓宾结构，副词“已经”修饰动词“步入”。
Score: /3
Summary
Old age refers to the later stage of human life, typically starting after retirement.
- Refers to the final stage of human life.
- Commonly associated with retirement and aging.
- Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Use it with verbs of movement
Pair '老年' with verbs like '进入' (enter) or '步入' (step into) to describe the transition into this life stage.
Avoid using it offensively
While '老年' is neutral, be careful when referring to individuals. Using '老年人' is polite, but avoid blunt terms that might sound disrespectful.
Respect for the elderly
In Chinese culture, respect for the elderly is a core value. Using terms like '老年' in a caring context is highly appreciated.
Examples
4 of 4我们需要为老年生活做好经济准备。
We need to prepare financially for our old age.
政府出台了多项针对老年人的福利政策。
The government has introduced several welfare policies for the elderly.
他退休后，老年生活过得很充实。
After retirement, his life in old age is very fulfilling.
老年心理学是心理学的一个重要分支。
Geropsychology is an important branch of psychology.
