You’ve probably seen them sitting in those red velvet chairs during General Conference. They look like grandfathers, sure, but there is something about the sheer longevity of the men leading The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that sparks a lot of curiosity. People often ask, "How old are the LDS apostles, really?"
The answer? Honestly, they are quite old. We are talking about a group where being 70 makes you the "young kid" on the block.
As of early 2026, the leadership has seen some massive shifts. For years, Russell M. Nelson was the face of the Church, living well past his 100th birthday. But as of late 2025, the guard has changed. Dallin H. Oaks is now the President of the Church. He’s 93. If you think your retired neighbor is busy, imagine overseeing a global organization with 17 million members while in your nineties. It's a lot.
The First Presidency: Leading in Their 80s and 90s
The First Presidency is the highest tier. It's the "Big Three." When President Oaks took the reigns in October 2025, he didn't just pick his best friends; he followed a very specific pattern of seniority.
Dallin H. Oaks, born in 1932, is currently 93 years old. He's a former Utah Supreme Court Justice, and honestly, he still speaks with that precise, legal clarity. Right by his side is Henry B. Eyring. "President Eyring," as he's known, is 92. He’s the one who often gets emotional during his talks. Then you have the "youngster" of the trio, D. Todd Christofferson, who is 80.
- Dallin H. Oaks (President): 93
- Henry B. Eyring (First Counselor): 92
- D. Todd Christofferson (Second Counselor): 80
It's a staggering amount of life experience in one room. Think about it. When these men were born, the Great Depression was still a fresh wound and television was a sci-fi dream.
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How Old Are the LDS Apostles in the Quorum of the Twelve?
Below the First Presidency sits the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These are the men who travel the world, and their ages are just as varied—though "varied" in this context usually means "between 64 and 85."
The current President of the Quorum is Jeffrey R. Holland. He’s 85. He’s had some health scares recently, which had members worried, but he’s still at the helm.
Then you’ve got Dieter F. Uchtdorf, the former Lufthansa pilot. He’s 85 as well. People love him because he brings this international, sophisticated vibe to the group. Moving down the list, you find David A. Bednar at 73. He was called quite young—only 52 back in 2004—which is why he has so much seniority despite being younger than many of his peers.
Here is the breakdown of the rest of the crew:
- Quentin L. Cook: 85
- Neil L. Andersen: 74
- Ronald A. Rasband: 74
- Gary E. Stevenson: 70
- Dale G. Renlund: 73
- Gerrit W. Gong: 72
- Ulisses Soares: 67
- Patrick Kearon: 64
Patrick Kearon is currently the youngest apostle. At 64, he’s basically a millennial in "apostle years." He was called in late 2023 to fill a vacancy, and his British charm has made him a fast favorite among the younger generation of the Church.
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Why Does Age Matter in the LDS Church?
The seniority system is basically built into the DNA of the faith. It isn't a popular vote. It isn't a "who has the best vision statement" contest. It is purely about who has been an apostle the longest.
This creates a very stable, but very aged, leadership.
Some people find it comforting. There’s a sense that these men aren't chasing trends or trying to be "woke" or "edgy." They’ve seen everything. They lived through the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, and the birth of the internet. They tend to take the long view on everything.
On the flip side, there is a lot of chatter—especially on places like Reddit or in academic circles—about whether the leadership is "out of touch." When the average age of the top 15 men is nearing 80, it can be hard to relate to a 19-year-old missionary struggling with TikTok or a young mother dealing with modern burnout.
But the Church leans into this. They see age as a filter for wisdom.
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The Transition of 2025
The death of Russell M. Nelson was a "where were you" moment for many members. He was the oldest president in the history of the Church, nearly reaching 101. When Dallin H. Oaks was sustained in October 2025, it felt like the end of an era. Nelson was known for "rebranding" the Church—insisting on the full name and changing the meeting schedule. Oaks is seen more as a "law and order" guy.
Is There a Retirement Age?
Nope.
In the LDS Church, an apostle is called for life. They serve until they "step through the veil," as they like to say. This is actually pretty unique. Most CEOs or even other religious leaders (like the Pope, occasionally) have a way to retire.
The only exception is the Seventy. These are the leaders just below the apostles. They usually get "emeritus" status at age 70. They get to go home, play with their grandkids, and stop traveling. But for the Twelve? They are in it until the very end.
Actionable Insights: What This Means for You
If you are following LDS news or trying to understand the culture, keep these things in mind:
- Watch for Health Cues: Because the leaders are in their 80s and 90s, the "seniority" list can change overnight. Health updates on President Eyring or President Holland are basically "succession watches."
- The "Young" Voices: Pay attention to Patrick Kearon (64) and Ulisses Soares (67). They are the ones likely to lead the Church 15 or 20 years from now. Their current talks often hint at the future direction of the faith.
- Check the Newsroom: The Church's official newsroom is the only place to get verified birth dates and call dates. Third-party sites often get the seniority order mixed up, especially after a death in the Quorum.
Knowing the ages of these men helps you understand why they teach the way they do. They are products of their generation—men who value institutional loyalty, traditional family structures, and slow, deliberate change. Whether you find that inspiring or frustrating, it's the reality of how the LDS Church operates in 2026.
Keep an eye on the next General Conference. Usually, that is when any new "young" blood is brought into the Quorum of the Twelve, and based on the current ages, we might be seeing another call sooner rather than later.