1. What was the old man like?
- He looked mean.
2. What did the older man look like?
- He looked mean.
(Which question is suitable for the answer?)
#2 is suitable for that particular answer.
Other answers for #1 could be these:
He was grouchy.
He was very pleasant to be around.
He was quite active in the swimming club.
He was a very loving grandfather.
(and on and on!!)