1An elderly or old person. A common everyday word, though it can sound blunt when used to someone's face — 高齢者 is often preferred in polite or formal contexts.
公園では年寄りが朝の散歩を楽しんでいる。
Elderly people enjoy their morning walk in the park.
電車では年寄りに席を譲るのがマナーだ。
It's good manners to give up your seat to an elderly person on the train.
田舎には一人暮らしの年寄りが多い。
There are many elderly people living alone in rural areas.
祖父は年寄りとは思えないほど元気だ。
My grandfather is so lively you wouldn't think he's an old man.
2In sumo, a retired wrestler who has taken on an elder (toshiyori) name and serves as a trustee of the Japan Sumo Association, typically training younger wrestlers. In this sense it is written 年寄.
引退した横綱は年寄となって部屋を継いだ。
The retired yokozuna became an elder and took over the stable.
年寄株を取得しなければ引退後も指導者になれない。
Without acquiring an elder share, you can't become a coach after retirement.
3A historical term for a senior official who handled government affairs for the shogunate or a domain in the Edo period.
藩の年寄りが集まって重要な決定を下した。
The domain's senior statesmen gathered and made an important decision.
4A historical term for an influential local official who managed administration in a village or town during the Edo period.
村の年寄りが集まり、用水路の管理について話し合った。
The village's local officials gathered to discuss managing the irrigation canal.