Having reflected further on this story and its many aspects, and reading the comments so far, it occurs to me that our opinions on the subject quite probably reflect not just our individual views regarding what constitutes an effective leader, but also our fears and concerns over aging and what will become of us later in life. How old is too old to be a productive member of society, to be useful and respected and needed and loved and...? Perhaps if this story accomplishes nothing else, it might get us all thinking a little more clearly about aging, and not just the potential downsides of it but also the wonderful aspects, which in turn could help us develop wisdom, which is vital to empathy and compassion and clear-headed decision-making.