What is the politest way in Korean to say that someone is 'old'?

Question

I am aware of 낡은 and 오래 된, but I'm not sure that these are suitable for saying that an (esteemed) person is old. (I'm sure 헌 probably isn't either!) What is the politest way to say that someone is old? (I realise that drawing attention to someone's age may never be considered the height of politeness!)

Answer 1

Answer: 연세가 있으시다.

This would be a proper way for saying someone is old in the politest way. 연세 simply is a 존칭 (polite language to someone older than you) for 나이 (age). And notice that I said 있으시다 (polite language for 'has') instead of 있다 (has).

FYI) 연세 is commonly used someone over age 40-50 ish.

So you would say,

A: 그사람 우리 또래야?

(Is that person our age?)

B: 아니, 그분 연세가 있으셔.

(No, he/she is older)