The enduring question of age and its impact on holding public office has reemerged as a prominent topic in American politics.
This resurgence comes in the wake of recent incidents, most notably Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s episode where he appeared to freeze for approximately 30 seconds while fielding questions from reporters.
This incident, reminiscent of a similar occurrence in July, has raised concerns about the 81-year-old Republican leader’s health, especially following a concussion he sustained in March. It has also prompted broader discussions about the relatively advanced ages of some of the nation’s most influential elected officials.
The age debate gained traction earlier when 90-year-old Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein returned to Capitol Hill after battling shingles and experiencing severe complications.
Her visibly frail and disoriented appearance led to calls for her to resign earlier than her planned exit in January 2025. The issue is further compounded by the aging of Congress, with the median age being 59 years old, and the Senate’s median age reaching 65, according to FiveThirtyEight.
While older politicians can face criticism for being out of touch, their supporters argue that their seniority and experience enhance their effectiveness in office.
Political science professor Kevin Munger of Penn State University predicts that a significant generational turnover may not occur until the early 2030s.
However, the age question becomes most contentious and relatable to Americans when it pertains to the presidency. President Joe Biden, at 80 years old, is the oldest sitting commander in chief in U.S. history. If reelected, he would be 82 at the start of his second term and 86 by its conclusion. In contrast, his chief rival, former President Donald Trump, is 77 years old, but his age receives relatively less attention compared to other factors such as legal issues. Nevertheless, Republicans are seizing on Biden’s age as one of his key vulnerabilities in the upcoming presidential election.
Polling data reflects the concerns of many voters. A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that 77% of U.S. adults believe Biden is too old to be effective for another term, while 51% felt the same about Trump. Even among Democrats, 69% expressed concerns about Biden’s age, although 88% indicated they would still likely support him if he were the nominee.
The focus on age in politics has led to debates about ageism and its potential to be weaponized. S. Jay Olshansky, a professor of public health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, argues that the question of “how old is too old” is difficult to answer definitively. He emphasizes that people age at different rates, and human diversity must be considered.
Age-related concerns extend beyond Biden to other members of Congress. Figures like 89-year-old Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and 83-year-old California Democrat Representative Nancy Pelosi continue to serve in their respective roles. Each has their own unique attributes, such as Grassley’s penchant for jogging and Pelosi’s brisk pace while serving as House speaker.
Regarding President Biden, reports indicate that he maintains an active lifestyle, including regular exercise on a Peloton bike and weightlifting. However, noticeable physical attributes, such as shuffling steps and occasional missteps, have been observed. His physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, attributes some of these issues to factors like significant spinal arthritis and prior health conditions.
Biden’s age-related missteps have been the subject of media attention, particularly his occasional coughing and incidents where he appears unsteady on his feet. Nevertheless, the president has repeatedly emphasized that he is fit for the role, stating, “Watch me.” This has drawn increased scrutiny, including his fall at the Air Force Academy commencement and his preference for shorter staircases.
The White House has not shied away from addressing concerns about Biden’s age, framing it as a positive aspect of his presidency. They point to his accomplishments, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and his efforts to rally NATO allies. Biden himself often makes light of his advanced age in public appearances, using humor to address the issue.
As discussions about age in politics persist, it remains a complex and multifaceted topic, with no definitive answer to the question of when someone is too old to hold public office. In a country where the average age is 38.9 years old, the question of age in politics continues to be a point of interest and debate among the American public.
