Should there be a retirement age for politicians?
The US Presidential debate sparked discussions on President Biden’s age and cognitive abilities. Trump was also seen as somewhat incoherent. In the aftermath of the debate and three weeks of intense arguments, President Biden has decided not to seek re-election. Yet, the question remains – is there a need for politicians to have a retirement age if they are not up to doing the job that they are required to do? Should there be a need for a cognitive test for older politicians? Should the country not be led by the younger generation? A web check shows most leaders of countries are above 70 years of age, except for the island state of Singapore’s Prime Minister who is just 51 years of age.
Retirement
Retirement defined as the practice of leaving one’s job after reaching a certain age has been implemented since the 1800’s. As a public policy, many countries implemented retirement ages in the last 200 years. The German Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck thwarted the Marxists' attempt to take power by introducing retirement and pensions as part of the welfare system. The context today has changed since the John Hopkins Hospital physician remarked in 1905 that the golden era of work was between twenty-five to forty, given that the longevity of humans has dramatically increased today. The Industrial Revolution sparked the need for retirement as aging workers were thought to slow productivity.
Aging and Cognitive Decline
Without getting into the technicalities, it is worth seeing what the Harvard Medical School says about the aging brain. The aging brain becomes better at detecting relationships between diverse sources of information, capturing the big picture, and understanding the global implications of specific issues. This could be the foundation of wisdom. With age, your brain becomes better at seeing the entire forest and worse at seeing the leaves. Age is also the biggest risk factor for many brain diseases, most of which affect brain structure and function. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia cause challenges for the older person. Medications, poor vision and hearing, sleep deprivation, and depression also can interfere with brain function, and thus cognitive ability. This results in slips in memory, and an inability to recall names or words. There is much debate if instances such as these are normal age-related or more serious brain diseases. So, it is indeed a valid question to ask, if a very old person suspected of declining cognitive abilities should hold fort, the highest offices of a nation.
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Retirement for Politicians
It is also clear that older people have much to offer, the foundation of wisdom and experience offers many benefits but if only they are fit, have cognitive abilities and stamina, and are connected to the people. We have seen in recent times the disconnect and disengagement of older politicians and a reluctance to “let go” when their time is up and create space for younger people to move up the ladder. Every person has to evolve into different roles so as not to lose the experience and wisdom of people at different age levels. Shakespeare said this nicely in his play As You Like it – the Seven Ages of Life.
In the podcast Stuck in the Middle – exploring divergent views and psychological themes, we talk to Dr Ong Kian Ming, a former Deputy Minister and now with Taylor’s University, and Dr Athirah Yasmin, Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences, University of Cyberjaya on the issue – Should Politicians Retire.
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Chairman Kiple Sdn Bhd
4 个月My views are slightly different. There shd not be a retirement age. Capable, competent, visionary leaders wth absolute integrity are hard to come by. Such leaders would help nurture and groom equally good leaders in all spheres. . Singapore is a great example. A good leader himself, generally. Wd know it's time to pass the baton. However, They shd undergo regular and thorough health checks by independent medical experts to certify their health status. The other issues around nepotism etc shd be totally curtailed by the party nomination /disciplinary committees made up of upright people dedicated to the best interests of the nation.
Vice President -Asia Supply Chain at Hanesbrands Inc
4 个月Dear Palan, If only that’s possible to have a retirement age for Politicians especially in developing countries. Just look at our own country Malaysia. There is a belief that the Parliamentary and State seats belongs to their families. From Grandfather to Father and now to their Children as though it’s their birthright. And it’s not only from the ruling party but also the Opposition too.
Professor & Social Worker | Author | Career Coaching | CSR Consulting | Culture & People Champion | DEIB Architect | Public Speaker |Sustainability Enthusiast
4 个月Yes, our politicians too should have a retirement age. Other than the biological reasons and aging, the future of world, work and life depends on empowering personalities, inclusive mindsets, progressive policies and ethical leaders, who could help us make lives better for today, tomorrow and the future. However, politics like most traditional organizations, miserably fail to identify, groom and empower the future, follow the rule of primogeniture (or family dynasty), thereby going against the foundational principles of democracy and social justice.
Former Minister Of Public Works & Housing (2001-2010)
4 个月Interesting subject,yes I sincerely believe that politicians like any other trades or professions should give way at a certain age as old age will definitely be associated with some kind of illnesses & handicaps that will negatively affect there capacity in decision making to a great extent !