I know we’re all tired of reading about and worrying about Joe Biden’s age.
Los Angeles Times piece
But a guest opinion piece in today’s Los Angeles Times sheds valuable light, I think. The piece was written by Beverly Hills geriatrician Daniel J. Stone. He’s counseled many seniors over time about the effects of aging. And what he says helps me, a 77 year old, and should help others with concerns.
First there’s memory
Dr. Stone says memory is comprised of three parts — formation, storage and recall. For most seniors, the big issue is recall. It’s that feeling we get when we say something is “just on the tip of my tongue.” This happens to me a lot, especially with names. They usually come but not always right away.
This issue starts in your 30s
It’s surprising that this issue starts in your 30s and gets worse with age. It’s a nuisance, Dr. Stone notes, but nothing to be worried about.
Then there’s Alzheimer’s
With Alzheimer’s, which my father had and my husband has, memory formation is impaired. Old memory is still there. My father, for example, could recall details about his World War II experiences. My husband remembers many things that happened during his own Air Force experience and early career. It’s current conversations, plans for the day, the last time he changed his shirt or took a shower, that he may not remember.
Biden shows no signs
Dr. Stone notes Biden seems to recall new events succinctly. He obviously then is making new memories. He may speak slowly to find the right words, just like many seniors do. And Biden’s dilemma is exacerbated by his long-standing stuttering disorder, something he still battles. He’s also in the spotlight. I know I have more trouble remembering when I’m on the spot or in front of a crowd.
Normal aging exploited
So his normal aging and stuttering issue are exploited by political opponents. Pretty strange, given that his chief opponent mixes things up badly and seems confused at times. But then, Donald Trump is 78. He has age-related recall issues as well.
Actuarial tables
Dr. Stone goes on to suggest that actuarial tables indicate that at 81 Biden should live at least eight more years, certainly long enough to finish another term. He has no chronic illness, is physically active and receives excellent healthcare.
Nikki Haley’s point
I agree with Nikki Haley’s point that it is time for some aging politicians to pass the torch. This includes Biden and Trump. This also includes Mitch McConnell, who is stepping down as Senate Majority Leader. It’s time. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa is 90 and was re-elected last year. Wow! The average age in the U.S. House of Representatives is 58 and in the Senate, 64.
But we have what we have
However, age-wise, we have what we have. What’s the point of making a big deal of Biden’s age if you ignore Trump’s? And as Dr. Stone says, at least for his view of President Biden, we have nothing to worry about. And frankly, I’m tired of ageism.
Praise accomplishments
And we can praise the President’s accomplishments in his term in office. We also can worry mightily about the demagoguery the former President offers. Reaching for a word now and then hardly seems a problem.