Is It Time To Have Performance Tests For Aged Politicians?

What is the deal with the age of political leaders in America? In every other area of life, we expect people to be competent if they are going to perform in their jobs. It’s well known that our physical and mental capabilities decline as we age. With this in mind, here are the ages of a few top American leaders.

Mitch McConnell - Senate Minority Leader - Age 80

Chuck Schumer - Senate Majority Leader - Age 72

Donald Trump - Former President and Current Candidate - Age 76

Nancy Pelosi - Outgoing House Majority Leader - Age 82

Kevin McCarthy - Incoming House Majority Leader - Age 57

The average age is 73.4 years, eight years above the legal retirement age. A slightly skewed Bell Curve demonstrates our peak mental and physical performance. After age 50, there is a long, slow, steady decline. Of course, there are exceptions..

Many entertainers seem to buck the trend. Groups like the Rolling Stones are still touring in their 70s. Guitarist Geoge Benson is still playing to audiences. Even legendary singer Tony Bennet retired from performing at age 95 in 2021.

I have seen Tony Bennet perform, once in the 1970s and a second time in 2012. I can tell you there was a difference. In 2012 his voice was weaker, and his ability to hold a note was noticeably reduced. Depending on the instrument, musicians find playing a bit more challenging as they age; it’s to be expected.

The thing about entertainers is that our lives don’t depend on them. They’re not involved in life-and-death situations. On the contrary, what about a surgeon? How would you like to be operated on by an 80-year-old brain surgeon? It’s unlikely that a doctor at that age could retain their license to perform surgery

I am 76, and while I still practice chiropractic part-time, I have had to modify how I work with patients. The techniques I use today are very different from when I was 26 when I graduated from chiropractic college. From a physical standpoint, I would want to practice something than a 45-hour week, which I used to do in the 1970s and 80s.

What politicians do has a significant bearing on our lives. They affect our financial well-being and health outcomes. The Covid policies alone showed how pitiful most were in being stewards of health. Most of them set policies that contributed to ill health. Why are they not subject to the same standards as many other professions? Why do some stay in power indefinitely, no matter what their age? How many politicians are on drugs, even mind-altering ones? We don’t accept athletes taking drugs; why not the same standards for politicians?

Indeed, there are enough competent people between the age of 35 and 65. As of 2021, 126.9 million people were in that 30-year age span. Why do you need geriatrics? The Presidency has a two-year term limit. Why not a similar policy for all members of Congress?

What is remarkable is how so many politicians keep getting elected into positions of power despite surpassing their use-by date. It’s time for the seniors to get out of politics and gracefully cede control to the younger demographic.