Old-igarchy: How the Elderly Conquered American Power
Summary
Derek Thompson interviews Samuel Moyn about his book *Gerontocracy in America*, which argues that older Americans are hoarding wealth and power across politics, academia, and housing. They discuss how the abolition of mandatory retirement and high senior voter turnout have created a system that blocks younger workers and restricts housing supply. Moyn proposes solutions like age limits for politicians and weighted voting to address this intergenerational imbalance.
Topics discussed
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Introduction to Gerontocracy and Samuel Moyn
Key Statistics on Aging in Politics and Housing
Aging Faculty in Academia and Mandatory Retirement
Workism, Identity, and Scientific Progress
Political Representation and Voter Age Gaps
Local Democracy, Tax Revolts, and Youth Disengagement
NIMBYism, Housing Supply, and the Childless City
Economic Stagnation and Aging CEOs
Solutions: Electoral Reform and Voting Power
Welfare State, Social Contract, and Conclusion
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