If a character in your novel is an elderly woman and you need some tips on how to write her, this post is for you. Read on and we’ll show you to how to describe an old lady in a story.
1. Gentle
Definition
Someone calm, kind, or mild.
Examples
“To everyone’s surprise, the old lady was gentle in speech and behavior. Her guests then felt bad about judging her before she spoke.”
“The gentle old lady always carried boiled sweets for the young children in the village.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to portray an old lady who is kind and compassionate, the word “gentle” can fit. This implies that the lady isn’t nasty or scary, and because of this, other characters might be drawn to her and her “gentle” disposition. Because of this, a character might go to her for comfort or if they need cheering up.
2. Ancient
Definition
To be very old or linked with the distant past.
Examples
“The kids thought the old lady was ancient, but she’d only just celebrated her 60th birthday.”
“Maria celebrated her 99th birthday with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Seeing her younger family all at once made her feel like an ancient old lady.”
How it Adds Description
You can stress your old lady’s age by using the adjective “ancient.” This word is linked to very old things and the distant past, and you can use it to emphasize how old the lady feels or appears to others. An old lady who is deemed to be “ancient” is also likely to display many physical signs of aging (e.g., creaking bones or wrinkled skin), which show she’s spent longer on Earth than others.
3. Wise
Definition
Someone able to use their experience to make sensible judgments or decisions.
Examples
“Maurine may have been 80, but she still didn’t feel wise. In fact, she wished she’d learned more in her life.”
“As Mary aged, she became wiser and always offered her counsel to her daughters.”
How it Adds Description
Age and wisdom are often linked, and if your fictional old lady is particularly clever or sensible, you can describe them as “wise.” “Wise” old ladies often attract characters who need advice or are lost. Therefore, your protagonist might visit an old lady for help if they become stuck on their journey.
4. Friendly
Definition
Someone who is pleasant and kind and likes to be around other people.
Examples
“In her younger years, Alicent was cold and cruel. But time had transformed her into a friendly old lady.”
“Every morning, Jacob walks past the friendly old lady’s window and waves to her. She really brightens his day.”
How it Adds Description
“Friendly” shows that the old lady is happy to connect with other people, which implies that she has a kind manner and is likely more extroverted. Her “friendly” personality might make her popular with others, as she’s happy to chat with anyone and can easily break the ice in awkward situations.
5. Wrinkled
Definition
To have deep lines or creases on the skin.
Examples
“The wrinkled old lady was not ashamed of her age. She wore her years of experience with pride.”
“Look at me! I’m wrinkled like an old lady! I need some anti-aging cream ASAP.”
How it Adds Description
You can describe your old lady’s physical appearance as “wrinkled” if she has obvious signs of aging on her face (e.g., deep wrinkles and creases). This will make her age obvious to other characters, and therefore, some may treat her with more respect or care because they know she’s older and wiser.
6. Cold
Definition
Someone who shows little emotion or affection.
Examples
“My grandmother was a cold old lady. I don’t think she ever hugged any of her grandchildren.”
“Martha didn’t want the youngsters to perceive her as a cold old lady, so she went out of her way to smile at everyone.”
How it Adds Description
Some old ladies might not be very friendly, and if they lack emotion or affection, you can describe them as “cold.” A “cold” character might reject physical embraces, avoid talking about their feelings, and often be rude to others. This will likely make them unpopular, as they don’t offer any positivity to social interactions, and may often make them worse with their negative attitude.
7. Creepy
Definition
Someone who frightens others and makes them feel nervous.
Examples
“I’m not lying! I saw a spider hanging out of the creepy old lady’s mouth.”
“The creepy old lady shuffled to the bus stop while glaring at every passerby.”
How it Adds Description
If your old lady character scares others or has a strange vibe about her, you can use “creepy” to describe her. This shows that she behaves in an odd way, or it can imply that her physical appearance is scary or unusual. Some characters might be afraid of her, especially if they’ve never met her before or if she takes them by surprise.
8. Somber
Definition
To be sad or serious.
Examples
“Annalise has been a somber old lady ever since her 90th birthday. It was like her personality changed overnight.”
“Paul pitied the somber old ladies in the decaying bingo hall.”
How it Adds Description
An old lady who is constantly sad or serious can be described as “somber.” Having a “somber” attitude might make her difficult to converse with, as she’ll always emphasize the negative aspects of life. This might lead to her being isolated or having very few friends or carers.
9. Frail
Definition
Someone who isn’t healthy or strong.
Examples
“The frail old lady hadn’t gotten out of bed since 1901.”
“Penny feared becoming a frail old lady, and so she did her strengthening yoga every morning.”
How it Adds Description
As you age, you lose mobility and strength skills. If your old lady is particularly weak or ill, you can call her “frail.” A “frail” character will likely rely on others for assistance. For example, they might do shopping for her or help her move around.
10. Little
Definition
Someone who is very small.
Examples
“Bob watched the little old lady water her flowers every afternoon. Sometimes, the flowers looked as tall as her!”
“The little old lady felt invisible when people pushed past her on the street.”
How it Adds Description
“Little” shows that your old lady is either very thin or short and doesn’t take up much physical space. This can lead to people ignoring her, as they don’t notice her or don’t believe her to be useful due to her lack of strength or power.