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'.
村の古老から昔の話を聞いた。
I heard old stories from an elder of the village.
この地域の伝統は、古老たちによって守られてきた。
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'.