Pope's resignation highlights ageing dilemma of octogenarians
Pope's resignation at age of 85 draws attention to the many octogenarians in high-powered jobs
Pope Benedict's resignation has placed the spotlight on octogenarians at the forefront of politics and business, who sometimes shoulder a workload that people 20 years their junior may shun.
The 85-year-old pontiff announced on Monday that old age had sapped him of the strength required to lead the world's 1.1 billion Catholics. Benedict had a heart pacemaker installed some time ago but was not suffering from poor health, a Vatican spokesman said. It had not been generally known that the 85-year-old pope had been fitted with a pacemaker.
His decision immediately raised questions about contemporaries who continue to hold on to the reins despite their advanced age. They include Britain's Queen Elizabeth, aged 86; King Bhumipol Adulyadej of Thailand, 85; Israeli President Shimon Peres, 89; and President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, 88.
In business, there is media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, 81; TV and film magnate Sumner Redstone, 89; and Hong Kong property supremo Li Ka-shing, 84.
At 82, US actor and director Clint Eastwood is still going strong, while the French Armenian singer and diplomat Charles Aznavour still croons at 88.
In rich countries, a large number of octogenarians are in good health, said Francoise Forette, director of the French national Gerontology Foundation. Figures show that only 17 per cent of 80-plussers are made dependent by disease, she said.