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gerontocrat

/dʒəˈrɑntəkrat/
IPA guide

Other forms: gerontocrats

A gerontocrat is an elderly person in a position of power. If you've ever noticed that older people are more likely to be in charge than younger people are, you're already familiar with the concept of a gerontocrat.

In many societies, older members dominate government and decision-making processes. This is based on the traditional idea that age confers wisdom, experience, and stability. The term gerontocrat is not an official title for an elderly leader; rather, it's a descriptive term, coined in the 19th century as a criticism of aging French legislators, who were considered "out of touch" with the younger population. Today, the term is still often used pejoratively as a negative critique of older leaders who resist change or seemingly do not address the concerns of younger people.

Definitions of gerontocrat
  1. noun
    an elderly leader or official in a governing body
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