Former U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race on July 21st following concerns over his age. His poorly received performance during the presidential debate against Donald Trump caused discourse over aging politicians and their ability to continue working as global leaders and lawmakers
“Sometimes age doesn’t really matter,” said junior Lauren Clark. “But I feel like we need someone that’s not too young [and immature], but not too old to the point [that] they can’t do things on their own.
According to the Library of Congress, between January 2021 and January 2023, the average age of a member of the Senate and a member of the House of Representatives was 64 and 58 years old respectively, while the minimum required age to be a Senator is 30 and House member 25.
The average American is 39 years old while the average Congressman is in his or her early 60s; moreover, 20% of Congress is over the age of 70 while only 6% are under the age of 40.
“I think that politicians should retire sometime in their 80s,” said junior Graceanne Cloud. “The future of our country should be left to those that will live in that country, therefore, there should be an age limit on politicians.”
Generational differences have been a topic of discussion in the past, notably during the cultural revolutions of the ‘60s and ‘70s. But today many feel as if the generational divide is becoming wider.
According to Business Insider, House member Maxwell Frost is the first and as of now only member of Generation Z to serve in Congress, entering the House of Representatives at 25 in 2023.
(Photo Credit: Pew Research Center)
On the contrary, some feel as though elderly politicians offer a unique perspective on many topics within society.
“The effects on aging are specific to the individual,” said US History teacher Raymond Obispo. “There are many people who are in their 80’s and 90’s who still are mentally agile and have retained their cognitive health. Placing an age limit on politicians could ultimately cause a greater society to miss out on their wisdom.”
According to an article published by PBS analyzing the presence of older adults in office, most Congressmen and women keep their seats in the House and Senate unless they themselves decide to retire, limiting the availability of seats for newer candidates to be elected. This phenomenon has been identified as the “incumbent advantage.”
The same article explains that most voters continue to vote for older politicians because they are more established in politics and therefore look more appealing.
“It’s really hard,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost in an interview with PBS. “The system is not created for young people to run for office. [Just being a candidate means] a year without salary. If you’re already rich, that’s not a big deal; you’re fine, you have savings. It makes it so young people can’t run.”
The conversation surrounding elderly politicians is often seen as contentious as the two most recent presidents, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, broke records for being the oldest US presidents in history at the start of their terms. Opinions on the issue are mixed and both sides offer differing perspectives on the attitudes towards aging in today’s society.
