What's the Perfect Age?

"Researchers are studying when we feel our best and why—giving new relevance to the question of the ideal age." to quote an article at the WSJ.

This question applies equally to individuals and to HOA boards. Looking at the tasks faced by the board of BLMH, there are two areas that are essential: The ability to make financial decisions and the ability to cover the property and do the physical tasks.   It has been well documented that as we age our cognitive (mental) and physical abilities decline. It is also true that as we age our decision making improves for a time, before cognitive decline sets in.

So what is the gist of the article for these areas?

Making financial decisions: peak around 50 To measure financial literacy, researchers at Texas Tech University in a study published in 2016 asked 16 questions about borrowing, investing and insurance. They found the average scores increased within each year up to roughly age 50. After 60, financial literacy begins to fall.


Bodybuilding: 25 Physical strength peaks at around 25 years of age, about when muscle mass peaks, too, according to an article on the website sportsci.org. Strength plateaus from 35-40, then falls, with a 25% loss of peak force by the age of 65.

"Bodybuilding" implies sufficient health to do these physical things.


Where does this leave me, and the board? 
At my age, I'm well beyond the age at which financial literacy falls. As for "bodybuilding" I'm also well beyond the age at which a peak force decline of 25% occurs.

What does this mean? Well as I am approaching 25 years beyond peak financial literacy I'd say owners should be concerned about my ability to successfully complete my tasks. Ditto for the physical requirements.  In practical terms it may mean that I am not able to successfully complete all of the tasks required of me. If so, the association isn't getting the best volunteer service. Nor am I the oldest board member.

Of course, the mental and physical requirements of my chosen occupation and my age is why I no longer am employed full time. But I suppose the demands of being a board member are less taxing and so I can do that?



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