elder/elderly

elder in the sense of a respected religious, community, or other leader of either sex is acceptable; it is also used in the sense of "older" ("the elder of the two sisters"); it is not used as a noun to mean "old person." It is also used as an adjective: Elderhostel, elder care, elder legal services. "Elderly" is unacceptable as a noun ("the elderly") and isn't too popular as an adjective—rarely does anyone self-identify as an elderly person. "Frail elderly" is acceptable in sociological or medical writing to refer to those older persons who because of physical, mental, or economic problems need support from society. The preferred term for most people is "older" ("as an older man, I think ..." or "the older couple in front of us"). See also ageism, old, senior/senior citizen.