A head of gray hairs
Doesn’t mean one’s an elder.
Advanced in years,
One’s called an old fool.
But one in whom there is
Truth, restraint,
Rectitude, gentleness,
Self-control–
He’s called an elder,
His impurities disgorged,
Enlightened.
–Dhammpada, 19, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.