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Legislative Productivity of Elderly Legislators

Most research on the political interests and activities of the elderly has centered on their role as voters. Their participation, interest, and political commitment has been shown to be greater than that of most younger voters.1 Studies of party affiliation and of attitudes toward public issues suggest greater conservatism among older citizens, although there is considerable divergence where self-interest is at stake.2 There is also disagreement as to whether older people actually become increasingly conservative with time or whether their opinions only seem more conservative when compared with those of younger, more liberal citizens. One study that looks at political behavior of the elderly beyond voting is that of Verba and Nie, who suggest that much of the statistical decline in political participation in the later years can be attributed to socioeconomic factors.3 Finally, there has been considerable controversy about whether future generations of elderly with their increased numbers, better health, higher education, and common interests will form a cohesive voting block.4 Surprisingly, very little research has been concerned with the older lawmaker in spite of the rather high proportion of old people in national, state, and local office.5 It is well-known that persons in late middle age and early old age occupy the majority of leadership positions.6 Studies