年长者 is a formal noun meaning 'an older person' or 'elder' — someone who is senior in age. It's used in respectful, official, or written contexts (e.g. in policies, news articles, or polite conversation) rather than casual speech. The word combines 年 (year/age) and 长 (elder/senior) with the suffix 者 (person). Unlike the everyday term 老人 (old person), 年长者 carries a tone of respect and often implies social or intergenerational consideration.