Patrick Boyle On Finance Why Are Politicians So Old?
Mar 4, 2025
The rise of older political leaders is examined, revealing that U.S. lawmakers are significantly older than their counterparts in other wealthy democracies. The mental and physical fitness of aging officials is questioned, raising concerns about their ability to govern effectively. Challenges include the lack of representation for younger generations and debates over age limits for office. A contentious proposal for competency tests for politicians over 75 sparks discussion about the generational divide in politics.
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Aging Leaders
- Global leaders are older than ever, with 9 of the 10 most populated countries having leaders over 70.
- Authoritarian regimes have older leaders than democracies, possibly due to leaders' reluctance to cede power.
US Gerontocracy
- The US has significantly older politicians than other wealthy democracies, with legislators being the oldest in the rich world.
- Recent US presidential candidates have been historically old, exceeding even Bill Clinton's age at inauguration.
Concerns over Age and Fitness
- Joe Biden's debate performance raised concerns about his fitness for office at 81.
- Mitch McConnell's freezing spells during press conferences sparked worries about his health, possibly related to Parkinson's or a previous fall.