On aging, maybe America needs to grow up

Ageism has become an ingrained bias that permeates all aspects of our lives.

By Fiona de Merell, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Connecticut, February 20, 2024

As Americans gear up for a grueling election year, we keep seeing articles about “how old is too old” to be president, and whether there should be an age limit on those who hold presidential office. But how old is “too old” when it comes to running for public office, holding a job, managing a company, driving a vehicle, or even raising a child?

As the median American age increases, fewer people retire in their early or mid-60s. Many are working, remain physically active, and are involved in their communities. The fallout from this demographic change is causing tension with younger workers and revealing blatant age biases. And as two men near 80 compete for the U.S. presidency, we might contemplate our nation’s compulsive negative perceptions of older Americans’ competency, abilities and skills.

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