Presidential hopeful Joe Biden challenges an Iowa farmer to a push up contest and IQ test, and calls him a damn liar. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, tells a journalist asking difficult questions, “don’t mess with me.” This, after stating she “doesn’t hate anyone,” because she’s a Catholic??? Donald Trump has nasty nicknames for his critics and constantly repeats himself. He calls himself a “stable genius.” While the aging, raging politicians duke it out, it leaves this octogenarian wondering. Although I abhor blatant ageism, sometimes we have to face the facts. Should a person in their mid seventies run for office? And if not, why?
1. Older people are angrier. One of the most common emotions seen in the aging population is anger. It may be a symptom of depression, but often, it’s a manifestations of the aging process, itself.
2. The elderly are less able to handle stress. Their heart and lungs may not have the capacity they once did, making recovery from stress more difficult. As people age, they don’t sleep as soundly, which causes higher levels of stress hormones in the brain..
3. Reflexes change as we age. According to the Merck Manual. the peripheral nerves conduct impulses more slowly as people get older. This results in slower reflexes, decreased sensation and clumsiness.
4: Aging changes decision making ability. Neuroscientists have found that older adults are less able to hold on to complex thoughts, and have a harder time making decisions that require considering multiple options. However, decisions that require established knowledge remain strong well into old age.
The most impressive thing about the Democratic Presidential debates was the demeanor of the younger candidates. While I didn’t agree with all of their policies, they presented them in a thoughtful, rational manner. I know experience matters. But I’m not sure the aging brain is capable of grappling all the complexities of managing our great nation and keeping it safe for our grandchildren.
No one can run for president in the United States until they are thirty five years old. As aging, raging senior politicians duke it out, you wonder if there should be age restrictions at the end of the life cycle.