This article looks at the cognitive abilities of political leaders who lead from the front. The process of cognitive ageing is complex. A critical aspect of these abilities is the speed with which many operations can be executed. The dimensions of cognitive functioning are orientation, memory, fluency, and numeracy. Studies have found an association between ageing and cognitive ability and retirement.

There are at least two reasons why understanding the process of age-related decline in cognitive abilities is essential to politicians. First, cognitive functioning is fundamental for decision making, for it influences individuals’ ability to process information and make the right choices. As many countries have moved towards individual provision systems for retirement income, decision-making becomes crucial for appropriate consumption and saving plans. Second, cognitive abilities may be regarded as one aspect of human capital and education, health, and noncognitive abilities. Politicians have focused their attention on human capital accumulation, much less on human capital deterioration.