Getting older is something we all face—president included—unless we pass away sooner. As we age, there’s a higher chance our physical and mental well-being can decline.
The Constitution requires that a president be at least 35 years old, but curiously, it doesn’t specify an upper age limit. This absence of a cap is concerning and might benefit from a constitutional amendment establishing a maximum age of 75 for presidential candidates.
Such a measure would prevent anyone over 80 from leading our country, which seems sensible given the potential for health issues.
Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that about 24% of Americans aged 80 and older experience varying levels of dementia, with roughly 18% diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This condition, as defined by the NIH, gradually impacts memory and thinking, ultimately hindering even basic tasks. That’s not the kind of situation we want for a president, right?
There have been numerous claims and books asserting that former President Joe Biden may no longer have the cognitive capacity required for leadership, though he has sharply denied any decline. Recently, authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson released a book titled “The Original Crime: President Biden’s Decline, Cover-up, and His Devastating Choice,” which has gained significant media attention.
Adding to the worry, President Biden, now 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, one that has sadly spread to his bones. According to the American Cancer Society, about 37% of men with this diagnosis survive after five years, and only about 10% make it past the ten-year mark.
I personally think Biden has been a commendable president who has done a lot for the American people. I supported him in 2020 and hoped for his re-election until his performance against Donald Trump took a downturn. I genuinely wish him well in terms of his health.
If he were to be re-elected, he would likely need to navigate treatment during his presidency, which complicates matters—who’s to say he would remain healthy throughout his term?
Then there’s Donald Trump, who is currently 78 and would be 82 at the end of his own term in 2029. He insists he is mentally sharp, while opposing claims have been made suggesting he shows signs of cognitive decline. More than 230 mental health professionals publicly voiced concerns, claiming Trump is unfit for leadership.
In an ideal world, those unable to perform their presidential duties would either not run or would step down. Yet, presidents and their teams often display strong determination to hold onto their positions.
The 25th Amendment does allow for the vice president and cabinet, or a body approved by Congress, to remove a president deemed incompetent, but that’s reserved for serious cases—like a coma.
Establishing age limits for future presidents through constitutional change shouldn’t be a matter divided along party lines. It affects Republicans, Democrats, and even third-party candidates alike.
It’s important to note that amending the Constitution is a tough process. Any amendment must be backed by two-thirds of both Congressional houses and then ratified by three-quarters of state legislatures. With only 27 amendments so far, changes don’t happen often.
It’s unlikely there will be many instances where a president is inaugurated at 76 or older; aside from Biden and Trump, historical examples are rare. Dwight Eisenhower took office at 70, and Ronald Reagan was 77, both of whom faced health challenges during their presidencies.
Eisenhower survived a heart attack in 1955 and was re-elected in 1956. Reagan exhibited signs of cognitive decline a few years into his presidency, though debates continue about when those issues actually began.
On average, presidents take office around 57 years old. Sure, health issues can arise at any age, but they tend to be more common among older and middle-aged individuals.
Interestingly, only 9% of Americans over 75 are employed, although the workforce should remain accessible to qualified individuals of any age. The presidency, however, stands out from other jobs; having a cutoff age of 75 seems to serve the national interest well.
Setting limits could help ensure that our most crucial leadership role remains filled by those capable of handling its demands.
