If you’ve been keeping an eye on the headlines coming out of Salt Lake City lately, there is one question that keeps popping up. How old is Dallin H. Oaks? It’s a fair thing to ask. After all, the man just took the helm of one of the largest religious organizations on the planet.
As of early 2026, Dallin H. Oaks is 93 years old. He was born on August 12, 1932. To put that in perspective, when he was born, Herbert Hoover was in the White House and the Great Depression was in full swing. He’s seen a lot. But in the world of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 93 isn't actually "old-old." His predecessor, Russell M. Nelson, lived to be 101.
People aren't just curious about the number on his birthday cake, though. They want to know if a man in his nineties can handle the grueling schedule of a global faith. Honestly, the answer is more complex than just a birth year.
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The Math Behind the Ministry
Dallin Harris Oaks was born in Provo, Utah. His life has been a literal marathon of high-stakes roles. We’re talking about a guy who was a clerk for the U.S. Supreme Court, the president of BYU, and a justice on the Utah Supreme Court before most people even consider retiring.
By the time he was called as an apostle in 1984, he was 51. He has now spent over 40 years in full-time church leadership. That is four decades of traveling the world, giving speeches, and making massive policy decisions.
Why 93 is a "Young" Age for a Prophet
The LDS Church operates on a system of seniority. Basically, whoever has been an apostle the longest becomes the next president. Because of this, the "prophet" is almost always someone who has reached a very advanced age.
- Longevity is the norm. Looking back at recent history, church presidents regularly push into their late 90s.
- The "Bench" is Deep. President Oaks isn't working alone. He has two counselors—Henry B. Eyring (92) and D. Todd Christofferson (80)—to help carry the load.
- Health and Vitality. While the church doesn't release detailed medical records, Oaks has remained remarkably public. He still speaks at major conferences twice a year and meets with world leaders.
It’s kinda fascinating to see how the church functions as a "gerontocracy." Some critics worry that having leaders in their 90s makes the organization feel out of touch. Others argue that nine decades of life experience provides a level of wisdom and "long-view" perspective that you just can't get from someone in their 40s.
Life Before the Red Chairs
To understand why he’s still going at 93, you have to look at how he started. His father died when he was only seven. That left his mother, Stella, to raise three kids during some of the toughest economic times in American history.
He wasn't a "legacy" kid. He worked. Hard.
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He was a radio announcer as a teenager. He tested radio tubes. He played the oboe. Basically, he developed a work ethic that most of us would find exhausting. That pace never really slowed down. Even as a "senior citizen," his schedule would make a 30-year-old's head spin.
What Really Matters About His Age
The focus on how old Dallin H. Oaks is usually stems from two things: health and policy.
In late 2025, when he was officially set apart as the 18th President of the Church, the transition was seamless. It happened just weeks after Russell M. Nelson passed away. This "seniority" system means there's no campaigning. No "election season." It's just the next man up.
But here is the catch. At 93, his presidency is statistically likely to be shorter than some of his predecessors. This creates a sense of urgency. People are watching to see what he prioritizes. Will he focus on the global growth of temples? Will he double down on traditional family doctrines?
He’s a lawyer by trade. A judge. He likes clear definitions. He likes "reasoned" arguments. You can hear it in his voice when he speaks—it’s precise, legalistic, and very direct.
Navigating the Future at 93
If you're trying to keep track of the church's direction, don't just look at the age; look at the energy.
- Public Appearances: Watch for his presence at General Conference in April and October. If he’s standing and speaking for full 15-minute blocks, his health is likely solid.
- Counselor Dynamics: Keep an eye on Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson. They are the ones who do a lot of the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
- Policy Shifts: Early signs suggest Oaks is focusing on "civil discourse" and religious freedom. These are topics he’s championed for decades.
Honestly, 93 in 2026 isn't what 93 was in 1950. With modern medicine and the level of support these leaders have, they can remain functional and sharp well into their centenarian years.
Moving Forward
If you want to stay updated on how President Oaks is handling his new role, your best bet is to follow the official "Church News" or the "Newsroom" site. They post weekly updates on where the leaders are and what they’re saying.
Next Steps for You:
Check the upcoming April General Conference schedule. Watching one of his addresses is the quickest way to see how he’s doing. It gives you a much better "vibe check" on his health and mental clarity than any statistic could.
Pay attention to the specific legal or constitutional themes he brings up. Since that’s his background, those are usually the areas where he feels most comfortable making long-term changes for the church.