It’s been obvious that President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are well into their 70s. But it wasn’t until Michael Smerconish brought it up on his television show this morning that I gave all that much thought to the aging of Congress and the Senate as well.

House and Senate Leaders

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for example, is 80; U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee is 87; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is 78. The average age of the House of Representatives is 57.8 years, and the Senate is 61.8 years, one of the oldest in history.

Age Limits to Run

A person must be at least 25 to run for Congress, 30 to run for Senate and 35 to run for President. So it seems reasonable there might be an upper limit, too, right?

No Matter Who Wins

No matter who wins the election, the next President will be the oldest ever inaugurated, Trump at 74 and Biden at 78. So we should ensure we have confidence in whatever Vice President we select. And we should wish for healthy presidents in this age of COVID.

Should There be a Mandatory Retirement Age?

Should there be a mandatory retirement age in Congress and the Senate? Obviously voters continue sending people into office as their terms expire, so perhaps age isn’t an issue for them in these instances. And age brings wisdom the younger representatives may lack. But I know at age 74 that I’m not as sharp in some areas as I once was. And I simply don’t have the stamina I used to have. However, of course, every individual is different.

Speaking of Elections

And speaking of elections, I cast my absentee ballot on September 20. I also left any campaign material I had for candidates at doorsteps in the precinct I chair before that date. I feel bad that I continue to receive campaign literature in the mail weeks later. I guess greater minds than mine know the best time for getting these items into the mail. But in my household the material all goes into the trash.

Not Everyone Votes Early

However, not everyone votes early, and without a lot of reminding many won’t vote at all. I’m making phone calls now for two groups — younger voter and those over 65 who have been sent mail-in ballots. I’m surprised at how many haven’t yet voted. I’m also surprised at some previously Democratic voters who now say they are switching parties. They are offset by enthusiastic Democrats. But it’s a little unnerving all the same.