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America’s political landscape is evolving as the 2024 elections approach, raising concerns about the advanced age of our country’s top leaders.
We will soon elect a new president and decide whether to reelect members of Congress or replace them. The presence of an entrenched political class is evident to most Americans, with many lawmakers serving in public office for decades. This situation puts our country at risk of stagnation and a disconnect from the changing needs of the people. It also exposes leaders in Congress and the White House to potential physical and cognitive decline at the highest levels of government.
In the past year, there have been frequent gaffes, stumbles, momentary lapses, and other signs of possible decline exhibited by several political leaders, including President Joe Biden (age 80), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (age 90), and Sen. Mitch McConnell (age 81).
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Acknowledging declining health while avoiding ageism requires a nuanced approach. Ageism can perpetuate discrimination, but denying the signs of deteriorating ability to serve among our top leaders is dangerous to democracy.
As a physician, I can share that as we age, the risk of illness, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive decline, and various forms of dementia, increases exponentially. According to the American Heart Association, the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the U.S. is approximately 40% for men and women aged 40 to 59, 75% for those aged 60 to 79, and 86% for those over 80. The risk of stroke also doubles every 10 years after age 55.
Impaired cognition is directly related to advanced age. Approximately two-thirds of Americans experience some level of cognitive loss by the age of 70, and the risk of dementia doubles every five years after age 65.
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Political leadership in our country used to be characterized by a continuous influx of new ideas and diverse perspectives, including from younger generations. However, over the years, we have seen a growing number of politicians remaining in office for decades. While there are arguments about the value of lengthy service experience, this prolonged tenure has led to complacency, entrenched power structures, and an aging Congress.
In the Senate, the average member’s age is 64, with nearly 65% of them over 60 years old and a third over 70.
Whether there should be an age limit for politicians is a complex and debatable topic. Age should not be the sole determinant of political eligibility, as people of all ages can bring valuable perspectives and experiences to the table. However, ensuring that politicians are mentally and physically capable of fulfilling their roles is crucial.
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As we approach the next election cycle, voters should demand three things from their candidates before casting their ballots:
1. Public disclosure of physician and cognitive health evaluation
Instead of imposing a strict age limit, it may be more appropriate to assess the cognitive and physical fitness of individuals seeking political office, regardless of their age. This approach would focus on their abilities rather than age alone.
2. In-person events, including debates
The electoral process enables voters to evaluate candidates, but there is a rising trend of candidates refusing to debate and holding fewer in-person events. This diminishes voters’ ability to make decisions based on their perceptions of candidates’ abilities and qualifications for office.
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3. Support for term limits
Term limits can address some of these concerns by introducing fresh faces and ideas into the political arena regularly. Embracing term limits is not a rejection of experience; it is a recognition of the need to rejuvenate our leadership. By limiting the time any individual can serve in office, we ensure a more dynamic and representative political landscape, ultimately leading to a younger Congress.
Transparency regarding the physical and mental fitness of political candidates is not merely a matter of curiosity; it is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy.
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Voters have the right to know about the well-being of those seeking public office, as their decisions and actions can profoundly impact American lives and the future of the nation. Transparency fosters trust, accountability, and the assurance that elected leaders can fulfill their duties effectively. Advocating for and upholding rigorous standards of transparency for political candidates ensures a more informed and responsible electoral process, ultimately strengthening the foundations of the democratic system.
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