Still thinking about age (of course). Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer both announced today that they would be stepping down from the top two leadership roles in the House Democratic caucus. Pelosi is 82, and Hoyer is 83. They are both seemingly fit and mentally sharp, but they know when it is time to step down.

Dear Joe Biden: In 2024, you will be 82.

Dear Donald Trump: In 2024, you will be 79 (and four years from then 83).

So, what about Arthur Hessel? At 80, is it time for him to step down from either the Jewish Funeral Practices Committee or the Haberman Institute? I wonder. But there are a couple of differences from the situation in which Joe and Don will find themselves. In the first place, the future of the world and the future of mankind does not depend on how either organization handles its affairs. And in the second place, there is no one clamoring to take over his job at either place.

But both of these organizations are worthwhile and do important things. Both need new blood at the top. Today, at Haberman, the president, vice-president (me) and the treasurer were all born in 1942. At the JFPC, two of the four officers are about 80, and the other two in their 70s. There is no one younger on either board in a position to take over; in fact, there are not that many board members who are much younger (and some who are older). And attempts (meager and inconsistent as they may have been) to interest younger people to take board positions have not generated any true interest.

Succession planning is a responsibility of those currently in leadership positions. That is obvious. I should make that a priority for my 80th year, I guess.