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[This] involves real and abstract distance; that is, when you are talking about inches, feet and miles—things that can be measured with a ruler—use “far, farther, farthest.” When your distance is abstract—not measurable in a physical way—use “far, further, furthest”:
I drove farther than I did yesterday.
I am further along than Jack when it comes to math. [source]
re "old":
Elder and eldest are chiefly used for comparison within a family. Also, "elder" cannot be placed before than. [source]