On Thursday night in Atlanta, President Joe Biden, 81, and presumed Republican nominee Donald Trump, 78, will become the oldest U.S. presidential candidates to ever spar in a debate. Their collective 160 years of life experience might not be news, as they are breaking the record they set in the 2020 campaign. Either would be the oldest president on Inauguration Day in January 2025. However, what might make news are the questions a CNN moderator or others may raise in the months ahead about Biden’s or Trump’s capacity to lead because of their ages.
On Nov. 20, 2022, Biden broke new ground by becoming the first 80-year-old commander in chief. But consider how many of his and Trump’s peers are still working. Only about a quarter of Americans 65 and over are in the workforce, but nearly 2 million people over 75 are still working, based on estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS projects the number of workers older than 75 could grow to 3.3 million, or 2% of the workforce, by 2032.
Maybe more significant to those in the ageism camp: CEOs who lead four of the 500 largest U.S. companies are older than both candidates, according to a Madison Trust Company analysis. Perhaps some of these 75-year-old American workers aren’t running companies and are pursuing less stressful second careers. But it’s also likely some are working in the same job they have for years, and a few undoubtedly are still running organizations.
Trump with his business interests and Biden with his decades in Washington politics might be outliers. But you don’t need to look too far down Pennsylvania Avenue to see 47 other elected officials who are over 75 years old:
– Senate: 14 | Oldest: 90 – Chuck Grassley, R-IA
– House of Representatives: 33 | Oldest: 87 – Grace Napolitano, D-CA, Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC, and Bill Pascrell Jr., D-NJ
Admittedly, that’s not necessarily the representation that Americans say they want. USA TODAY and Suffolk University polled 1,000 registered voters in October. The respondents overwhelmingly supported setting a maximum age limit for members of Congress, but they differed on what those limits should be.
Yes, the elephant and, er, the donkey in the room are the gaffes – real and concocted. Those on either side of the aisle have promoted and replayed videos, suggesting either Trump or Biden might not be capable of the complexities of the office. Maybe both aren’t. Maybe both are. Should it come as a surprise if either candidate slips up during the course of the presidential marathon?
The CDC says for those over 65 years old, memory lapses are not uncommon in healthy adults. Memory changes can show up in a variety of ways. A few which might be attributed to either candidate:
– Forgetting the most recent events
– Forgetting the name of an acquaintance
– Struggling to find a word but remembering it later
What’s not up for debate: The election begins in earnest with Thursday night’s CNN debate at 9 p.m. ET, and the winner in November will be the oldest president in U.S. history at the end of his term.
The age of Biden and Trump is not just a political talking point; it reflects a broader trend in the American workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of workers aged 75 and older will grow significantly in the coming years. This trend is not limited to politics. CEOs of major corporations, such as Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway and Rupert Murdoch of News Corp, are also well into their 80s and continue to lead their companies.
The presence of older individuals in high-stress, high-responsibility roles raises questions about age and capability. While experience and wisdom are invaluable, the physical and cognitive demands of such positions cannot be ignored. The debate over age and leadership is not just about Biden and Trump; it is about how society views aging and the contributions of older individuals.
In the political arena, the age of candidates has become a focal point for both parties. Critics argue that older candidates may not be in touch with the needs and concerns of younger generations. They point to moments of forgetfulness or confusion as evidence of declining cognitive abilities. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the experience and stability that older leaders bring to the table.
The debate over age and leadership is not new. Ronald Reagan faced similar questions during his presidency, particularly during his second term. Reagan, who was 77 when he left office, famously quipped during a debate, “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”
The issue of age is not limited to the presidency. Congress is also home to many older members. The average age of members of the House of Representatives is 58, while the average age of Senators is 64. Some of the most influential members of Congress, such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, are in their 80s.
The presence of older individuals in leadership positions raises important questions about representation and diversity. Younger generations may feel that their voices are not being heard or that their concerns are not being addressed. At the same time, older individuals bring a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge that can be invaluable in navigating complex issues.
The debate over age and leadership is also a reflection of broader societal attitudes towards aging. In many cultures, older individuals are revered and respected for their wisdom and experience. In others, aging is seen as a decline, and older individuals may be marginalized or overlooked.
In the United States, the aging population is growing rapidly. By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65, and one in five Americans will be of retirement age. This demographic shift will have profound implications for the workforce, healthcare, and social services.
As the population ages, it is important to recognize the contributions of older individuals and to address the challenges they face. This includes combating ageism, ensuring access to healthcare and social services, and creating opportunities for older individuals to continue to contribute to society.
The debate over the age of Biden and Trump is a microcosm of these broader issues. It is a reminder that aging is a natural part of life and that older individuals have much to offer. At the same time, it is important to ensure that leaders are capable of meeting the demands of their positions and that they represent the diverse needs and concerns of the population.
In conclusion, the age of Joe Biden and Donald Trump is a significant factor in the upcoming presidential election. It reflects broader trends in the American workforce and raises important questions about age, capability, and representation. As the population ages, it is crucial to recognize the contributions of older individuals and to address the challenges they face. The debate over age and leadership is not just about two candidates; it is about how society views aging and the role of older individuals in shaping the future.
Source: USA Today, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CDC
