How old is too old to be president? The constitution clearly states that the president must be a natural-born U.S. citizen who is at least 35 years old. There is however no maximum age given. Many debate if the position should have an age cap or even required mental and physical testing.
74% of the United States presidents have been under 60 at the time of their inauguration.Our current president, Joe Biden, is 81. America’s last president, Donald Trump, was 74 while in office. To put this in perspective, U.S. Presidents have historically been in their 50’s. Famous presidents such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were 57 and 52 respectively. Having presidents these ages is a new trend. This raises the question: are presidents in their 80’s or even upper 70’s mentally and physically fit to be president?
Studies show “Around 10 percent of people over 70 years of age have some form of dementia. The risk increases with each passing year.” This concerns many because it is vital that someone with so much responsibility be very sharp. An additional concern is that: as people age they are more susceptible to diseases, and are also more likely to have sudden health changes.
On the other side, people argue that each case is different because all 80 year olds have different cognitive abilities. They also note the age minimum is there to ensure a level of experience and wisdom that older presidents have. Plus when the Constitution was drafted, a 60 year old was expected to live another 15 years. In 2020, men that age are expected to live another 22 years.
Personally, I think there should be an age limit for the president. If they are allowed to have an age minimum to ensure the president has certain qualities, they should also have an age limit for those same reasons. I also think younger presidents think more about the future of their decisions because they will affect them for more years.
https://potus.com/presidential-facts/age-at-inauguration/
Do you think there should be an age limit for the president?
Do you think mental and physical testing should be required?
What would be a good age limit and why?
Replies
I agree, we could miss good candidates by limiting the ones that can be chosen by age.
There should be an age limit for president. I do think testing should be required. 70-75, after that most body start to weaken, expecially the mind.
I don't think there should be an age limit to being president. I think that there should be tests once you get into your lower to mid 70s. I think they should have this test just to mkae sure the president is in good shape to stay in office. I think if there was an age limit it should be around 75-80.
It's true testing may not need to be required unless with an older president. This could save an unecessary step for other presidents.
I do think there should be an age limit as once you hit a certain age your brain and your body stop working as they used to. I think that mental and physical testing should be required as it would be a great way to tell if a president is capable of it. i think 70 and older is too old as many people start to have dementia and loose hearing at that age.
I agree, many people start loosing important senses around age 70. Testing could ensure that the president still has the right skills for it.
I don't think there shouls be an age limit on who should be president. If they have good things they want to do for the country then I think they should have a chance.
It is true that even older people could have the right skills and good plans for the country as president.
I feel like not necessarily an age limit per say, but possibly a test that they need to pass to ensure they have the physcial and mental wellbeing for representing and leading the country. I feel like besides the fact of them being health wise well, someone younger might be better overall considering they are leading the younger group.
I agree, a younger president might be able to represent and lead the younger generations of the country better.
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