old-fashioned people who are older than you and who should be treated with respect.
When we were children, we were always taught to respect our elders and betters.
elders and betters
The people who are older than one and thus deserve respect. Because I'm supposed to respect my elders and betters, Mom was pretty mad when she heard that I'd sassed Grandma.
your ˌelders and ˈbetters
people who are older and wiser than you and whom you should respect: You may not want to go, but your elders and betters think you should.