What is the difference between Elder and Older?

“Elder” and “older” are both adjectives and nouns used in referring to persons especially, that are earlier in order of birth or advanced in age. The word "elder" itself forms the base, and its form of comparative is its superlative, which is eldest. Elders are expected to be respectful, possess good leadership skills, inspire wisdom, solidarity & to be authority figures.

In sentence construction, "elder" should be placed before a noun. However, "older" on the other hand has its base firm as old, older is the comparative form, while oldest is the superlative form. In comparison, "elder" cannot be used with "than" when comparing with other entities, but "older can be used with " than". These two word have been in usage since the 12th century. "Elder" originated from the old English "eldra", which evolved to " "elder" before it gets its modern form. The word "older" derives its etymology from the old English "eald".