elderly person with deep knowledge of the past; elder
Refers to an old person who is valued for their knowledge of history, traditions, or events from long ago. More specific than a generic 'elderly person'.
I heard old stories from an elder of the village.
The traditions of this region have been preserved by the elders.
古老 refers to an old person valued for traditional knowledge or local lore, whereas 元老 stresses formal status as a senior authority in a field or organization.
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form.
Rarely used kanji form; learners will almost always encounter 古老.
Composed of 古 (old, ancient) and 老 (old age, elderly). The combination straightforwardly means 'old person of ancient times' or 'elder with knowledge of the past'.