"Elderly" may suggest an image of decline rather than vitality, it may be timely to eliminate that term and instead use "elder." Quite old; past middle age b.'Elder' and 'eldest' are only used to refer to persons, whereas 'older' and 'oldest' are used to refer to both persons and things. "An elder" is someone who is old, and respected for it. Someone who is "elderly" is old, regardless of respect. When our elders are convinced we ought to move forward with a candidate, we ask the man to fill out a questionnaire. Old age is the range of ages for people nearing and surpassing life expectancy. 'Older' is used to refer to age, eg, "I am four years older than my wife. " 'Elder' refers to the sequence of birth within a family. When our elders are convinced we ought to move forward with a candidate, we ask the man to fill out a questionnaire.