Take a hint from Angelou and invoke a simile, such as: "She is as young and spirited as her age-old hula hoop, which moves at lightning speed at family reunions."
Invoke a comparison, such as: "He is a walking symbol of his generation, though it's difficult to say whether it's the ever-present dog tags from his years in Vietnam or the limp that he still tries to hide that defines him most."
Strive for a contrast, such as: "He belies his generation by eschewing all forms of rock 'n' roll music, classic Chevys and, improbably, even the great sitcoms of the day."
Draw an illustration, such as: "In many ways, she is her mother's daughter -- except for her penchant for reality TV shows, texting and (don't tell her mother) ankle tattoos."
Create descriptive prose, such as: "You'd never know he got through college with a trusty Corona typewriter and a gallon of liquid correction fluid. He eagerly embraces technology, snatching up every new electronic doo-dad as soon as it hits the market."
Define your subject by his or her upbringing, values or beliefs, such as: "She grew up in a time when young people did not question authority figures, let alone stage political demonstrations like the one she attended tonight."
Classify someone's age (if you dare), but guard against unfavorable stereotypes, such as: "He can sit in that chair for hours and tell stories from 60 years ago as if they took place yesterday, and no one has the heart to ask him to stop."