Mayor or Anciana

Question

Hola

I am on my second lesson (Personal Descriptions) and came across the word 'mayor' which means old. I took another online course which uses the word 'anciana' which means old as well. My question is, are there situations where it is best to use one or the other for instance in English, even though it is grammatically correct, it is rude to say someone is old, you would say they are elderly.

I would appreciate situations where either word is most appropriate if there are differences in usage.

Gracias.

ocube

Answer 1

I've heard "ancianos" as the polite way to say "elderly." For example, "asilo de ancianos" is a retirement home.

Also, "adultos mayores" is used to say "older adults" without adding the insult of being called "viejo."

Does it mean that it is better to not tell anyone that is viejo, because I can offend someone? - KikeCS, Feb 3, 2010

thanks marianne, your examples are helpful... - ocube, Feb 3, 2010

Answer 2

Mayor can also mean older or larger when making comparisons.

Tengo seis años. Mi hermano mayor tiene ocho años. (todavía joven)

1 Timoteo 5:17 (Reina-Valera 1995)

17 Los ancianos[a] que gobiernan bien, sean tenidos por dignos de doble honor,[b] mayormente los que trabajan en predicar y enseñar,

Note the use of anciano and mayormente (largely or especially)

As someone that is on the downhill slope, beyond "over the hill", I would not be offended by being referred to by either term. I had to endure a lot to get to this point. A personal note: I think I would prefer being called old, to elderly. I associate elderly with decrepit.

Ha, ha... thanks for your answers. In England we tend to be very politically correct, so formally we refer to people as elderly but I see what you mean. My take is refer to people by what they like/prefer! - ocube, Feb 3, 2010

Thank you for the check mark, but normally I advise people not to accept answers until they have been confirmed or alternatives provided. - 0074b507, Feb 3, 2010

What about viejo? I learned that viejo is also old. Is there any difference between viejo and anciano - KikeCS, Feb 3, 2010

@gfreed good advice... will uncheck it. - ocube, Feb 3, 2010

Answer 3

anciano is form people older than 70 persona mayor it is an expression also for somebody older but not necessarily anciano You can use persona mayor for people older than 50.

Now mayor can be use without the word person meaning simply older...

I take it from what you've said that in usage, Mayor can be used to refer to older (comparing to another) while Anciano is better used for someone really old? - ocube, Feb 3, 2010

Answer 4

As a human that has lived for 63 years, You all can call me your highnes.

Disclaimer: For those who might take exception to my statement, I want to declare that,I am joking.