äldre

Äldre is the Swedish word for older people or things that have greater age. It functions as the comparative form of gammal and is used both as an adjective and, in the plural, as a noun: de äldre means the elderly. In compound terms it appears in äldreomsorg (elder care), äldreboende (care home), and äldrepolitik (elder policy).

Linguistic notes: Äldre derives from the same root as gammal and shares cognates with other Germanic languages. In Swedish, the term can carry a neutral or respectful tone when referring to people, as opposed to more colloquial or pejorative words. The choice between äldre and gammal often signals formality or politeness.

Social context: Many societies face an increasing share of older residents due to longer life expectancy. This trend influences health care, housing, and pensions, and prompts policy debates about independence, accessibility, and care services. In Swedish discourse, priorities include support for home care and accessible environments that enable older people to live independently while receiving necessary assistance.