Rob Neal lives in Yarmouth.

Becoming an elder in our society can be both wondrous and horrible at the same time. As the saying goes, “Old age ain’t for sissies.” At 74, I have often resisted and slowly had to accept the daily reality of being an elder. People see me as old whether I like it or not. 

If one measures career success by results and client (or customer) satisfaction, I did very well over these 50-plus years from being a counselor/family therapist for 15 years to shifting directions to the corporate world as an executive coach, facilitator, trainer, writer and public speaker for over 35 years.

Two years ago I stopped, with strong encouragement from my adult children and spouse. I could be just as effective doing this same work as I always was a few days per month, but seriously doubt if I could maintain that level on a daily basis. Besides I need an occasional afternoon nap.

Still needing to earn a bit of money to help pay for the traveling my wife and I like to do, I took a part-time customer service job in a large organization. I’m not responsible for anything anymore other than being helpful and friendly with our “customers.”

I don’t have to think about this job when I’m not there. Thankfully! Previously my work and clients were on my mind most of the time. Fulfilling work, yes, but also exhausting. As elders we’re already exhausted from living a long life. Thus the naps. 

If only our aging/elder political leaders at every level would learn how to move on as well. Please! Go get your naps. Go visit your children and grandchildren. 

We don’t need any more elder political leaders who just keep hanging on because they haven’t found anything else to do and don’t accept how much their aging has truly affected their skills and minds. Some were strong and effective leaders early on in their political careers, but even they need to move on now for younger generations of leaders. You might still have some high- performing days, but not nearly enough anymore to meet our needs.

On these same pages during the 2024 election campaign I urged both Biden and Trump to stop their campaigns, step away and go home. Obviously that didn’t happen and now we all see the results and just how low the bar has become. Especially at the national level.

Yet, even here in Maine we now see older politicians trying to hang on to power and status by screaming their “we have the experience” totems. Really? How’s that going?

Regardless of political party, their positions on the important issues, or their level of effectiveness, these elder politicians need to move on. You’ve had your turn. 

Do you hear me Janet Mills, Susan Collins and Angus King (who is finally leaving)? It’s likely several other elder politicians throughout our wonderful state of Maine also need to move on.   

Just as I should no longer be the person leading corporate/organizational interventions and projects, or coaching 10 different business leaders, or writing articles for publication, our elder politicians need to gracefully and quickly bow out.  

Younger professionals with equal or even better skills, and much more energy, should be doing this work.  

For too many elder politicians it appears their large yet fragile egos tell them to just keep going.  Please stop. Go home. Read a good book. Take some naps. 

Become an advisor or mentor to this younger generation of leaders, but give up the power. We need younger leaders to take charge. So please get out of their way.