Why No Retirement Age For Politicians?

In most parts of the globe, people usually retire at the age of around 60 to 65. Be it a private enterprise or government institution, people are not allowed to work beyond a certain age. However, in the case of politicians, there is no retirement age. As a matter of fact, the older the politician, the more prominence they may gain in the political world.

Sometimes it makes us wonder why there is no retirement age for politicians? Is there a reason why politicians don’t have a retirement age or they just don’t want others to take charge? To answer such questions, here are some important things to understand about the retirement age of politicians.

Experience is supreme – In the world of politics, the one thing that matters most is experience. An individual may have a high IQ, but it can be no match for decades of experience, especially in political matters. Experienced politicians can deal with adversaries more effectively, be it within their own party or outside. Experience also allows politicians to make pathbreaking decisions that help their country grow and prosper.

Brain muscle – Politics is all about effective utilization of brain cells. While old age may negatively impact some cognitive functions, it can improve other areas of intellect. The knowledge that a politician gains over his decades of political career is invaluable. It may not be impacted by declining cognitive function.

Emotional intelligence – As people age, their emotional intelligence starts to grow. This is very useful in politics where leaders need to be calm and think clearly even in the most challenging situations. Politicians have to deal with various crisis situations, internal and external threats, economy, defense, political opposition, winning elections and lots more stuff. Being able to stay calm in such situations and make the right decisions can only be possible with advanced emotional intelligence that comes with age.

Respect – The older a politician gets, the more respect they command among their followers. Their words are likely to be taken seriously and implemented as directed. Such respect is difficult to earn at a young age. As politics is about having the right connection with people, older politicians prove more effective in comparison to their younger counterparts.

Ability to target larger demographics – The older the politician, the more people know them across various age groups. They may be able to influence older folks who are around the same age, as well as their second and third generations. Political affiliations are often passed on from one generation to another, which is where an old political leader can influence a larger section of the voters.

Clear view of past, present and future – The more time one spends on the planet, the clearer it becomes what works and what does not. An old politician can analyze the past and make decisions that will shape the future. Old politicians have a vast spectrum of past knowledge to play with, which helps in effective decision making.

As evident from above, age is not a barrier, but an asset for politicians. That is why there is no retirement age for politicians. Having said that, young politicians also play a key role in the political world. They too can influence voters and win elections, powered by their energy, enthusiasm, positivity and ability to take risks. However, when it comes to taking critical policy decisions with long-term implications, it is often the old that prove right.