Link. Contrary to David Brooks, 65 is not the new 45. There’s a reason why we retire around 65 and should aim to shuffle off at 86: “… the period from 68 to 74 years of age was when major age-related voice changes first became evident. When Mr. Hinckley was in his 80s, his speech began to slow noticeably; by his 90s, some slurring had started to become evident.”