When it comes to politics, there is no shock that the faces we see are familiar. To be precise, there are 16 senators and representatives 80 and older, and even more over the age of 70. Many of them have served multiple terms. When you consider how long they’ve worked and their age, you can see that the years are adding up.
Holding a position for that long is ludicrous. I do not have any problem with U.S. representatives, but I do with their age and what comes with it.
An article from the New York Times suggests that people working in knowledge-based jobs retire in their early 70s, especially if the job is based on a cognitive perspective. Additionally, their health is at risk the longer they continue to work and add stress to their bodies.
For example, on August 30, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, 81, froze for the second time this year while talking to the press, and he had to be taken away from the podium to gather himself.
In March he had a concussion from a fall, causing him to slowly lose his hearing. According to the Mayo Clinic, people’s bones weaken as they age, eventually leading to fractures, loss of strength and loss of balance.
The age gap between citizens and the delegates is too far, considering the average age of Americans is 38. In today’s world, more individuals are open to subjects that society saw as taboo during the delegates’ time. The ideas and desires of younger Americans are lost because people old enough to be their grandparents can’t connect or understand these issues.
Conversations relating to gender identity are more common and have become more relevant to our society, but the views of the delegates may differ about inclusion.
There is a disconnect between us and them, and quite frankly, I do not imagine that some of them want to change or try to adjust to unfamiliar demands.
Having power that could affect many people’s lives is nerve-wracking when the person in question is not fully functional in their role.
The best way to combat this situation is by enacting an age limit to restrict individuals who are no longer fit to handle the business of America.
There should also be a mental and physical health checklist to ensure they are suitable to handle America’s business.
And if they can’t pass, we should let them enjoy retirement.
