The Age of Stagnation

For decades, the baby boomer generation has defined the political, economic, and cultural direction of the United States. They marched into leadership roles in the 1980s and never left. Now, as they approach or surpass traditional retirement age, their refusal to step aside has created a logjam that’s stifling progress and locking younger generations out of power.

Whether it be politics, corporations, or higher education, the refusal of boomers to step down from their roles has prevented the younger generations from gaining opportunities and moving up in their rules to higher positions of leadership. Instead, many people in younger generations are forced to stay in the same role, making close to the same amount of money for many years.

A Political Class That Won’t Move On

Congress is older than it has ever been in American history. Leaders in both parties are serving well into their late seventies and eighties. Instead of stepping down to make room for new perspectives, many cling to office, citing “experience” as justification while legislative priorities remain mired in outdated thinking. Younger lawmakers struggle to rise in influence, as seniority rules and entrenched donor networks keep decision-making in the hands of the same aging elite.

The Presidential candidates—and the past two presidents—have been in their late seventies and early eighties. It has become nearly impossible for candidates under the age of fifty to represent their political party in the presidential election—especially the Democratic and Republican parties. This takes opportunities from young politicians, and also prevents them from giving new, fresh perspectives on issues that their own generations face.

The Economic Fallout of Delayed Retirement

The refusal to retire isn’t just a problem in politics. In business, academia, and law, older leaders dominate executive suites, boardrooms, and tenured positions. By holding onto roles long past the traditional retirement age, they choke off opportunities for younger professionals. This leaves millennials and Gen Z workers underemployed, underpaid, and frustrated—unable to climb career ladders blocked at the top. At the same time, younger generations are expected to bankroll Social Security and Medicare, even as they are locked out of the wealth-building opportunities boomers enjoyed.

And with inflation, an unsteady and expensive housing market, and low job hiring rates, many workers from younger generations are forced to choose whatever low-paying job with minimal responsibilities that they can get after graduating college just so they can make ends meet. Because of this, many stay in the same position of power, with hardly a substantial increase in pay despite them gaining more experience at their company.

A Culture Resistant to Change

Cultural attitudes, too, are shaped by generational entrenchment. Many policies around climate change, technology regulation, and education funding reflect priorities set by people who will not live to experience their long-term consequences. Issues that matter most to younger citizens—from affordable housing to student debt relief—are often dismissed by leaders who cannot or will not understand the urgency.

The younger generations will live through climate change, new political conflicts, and the declining economy. These are issues that directly affect them, so they should be given the opportunities to make decisions to address them. It’s time for boomers to step down from their roles and let the younger generations take charge.

The Cost of Clinging to Power

At its core, this refusal to step down reflects a deeper fear of irrelevance—an unwillingness to hand the reins to the generations who will actually inherit the future. Instead of mentorship and generational handoff, younger Americans face obstruction and delay. The result is a nation paralyzed by leadership that is out of touch with the challenges of the 21st century.

If America is to thrive, it needs leaders who are not just experienced, but also invested in the decades to come. That means making space for younger voices, fresher ideas, and a willingness to imagine a future not rooted in nostalgia for the past. Until the older generation steps aside, the country risks being dragged further into stagnation—a nation led by those unwilling to admit their time is up.

The Age of Stagnation: How Boomers’ Grip on Power Is Ruining The Country