<p>Some of the profs I would be interested in working with seem quite old. What is a polite way to ask if they're going to retire anytime soon or is flat out asking if they're planning on retiring in the next 6 years OKAY?</p>
<p>You can just ask if they’re currently taking graduate students – accomplishes the same end without being so prying.</p>
<p>To more directly answer the question, there is no polite way to ask this question. You don’t; it’s not okay.</p>
<p>But yes, definitely ask if they are taking graduate students. The majority of professors who are planning to retire within 6 years won’t take on any new graduate students.</p>