To grow older (often more than expected) or to appear older than one's years; a colloquial expression meaning to age or look aged.
最近、彼は急に年を食ったように見える。
Lately he looks like he's aged suddenly.
大変な仕事を続けていたせいで、彼女は年を食ってしまった。
Because she kept doing that stressful job, she ended up aging.
あの俳優は役のせいで年を食って見えるが、実際はまだ若い。
That actor looks older because of the role, but in reality he's still young.
世間の苦労で年を食うこともある。
Sometimes life's hardships make one age.