AGE AND YOUTH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 253, 7 August 1941, Page 4

AGE AND YOUTH.

Is it true that as a person grows older the mental power declines? asks the journal “Psychology.” Professor Irving Lorge, experimental psychologist, gives this answer: “The charge that there is such a mental decline is an unfortunate libel upon the adults.” Mr Winston Churchill is 66 and a grandfather. He formed his War Cabinet in the record short time of 36 hours b.V telephone, and there is not a politician in Parliament with better mental grip, more drive, or greater powers of oratory. Mr Bernard Shaw is 84, and a bearded patriarch. Only Mr Shaw himself dares mention any effect years may have had on his intellect. Youth is glorious, but it is not a career. Nevertheless the verve and audacity, the dash and sangfroid of youth is ot extreme value in war—and \Britain is not behind her enemies in realising it. The ages of the three service chiefs on both sides match almost exactly. The average age is the same together, the Nazi commanders are one year older. The Chief'of the Imperial General Staff, Sir John Greer Bill and Germany’s Wilhelm Keitel are both 58. The Air Chiefs, Sir Charles Portal and Hermann Goering, are both 47. At 63, First Sea Lord Sir Dudley Pound is a year younger than Admiral Erich Raeder. In key fighting positions Britain has thrusting youngsters. The R.A.F. Fighter Command is led by Air Marshal William Sholto Douglas (47). youngest officer of his rank at each of his promotions. Appointed Comander-in-Chief Southern Command in England recently was General H. B. L. G.. Alexander (49), once' youngest general in the Army.