What we need, and deserve, is an objective, scientific conversation about mental and physiological aging — both for our leaders and for the rapidly aging populations around the world. Everyone who cares about aging, and especially gerontologists and geriatricians, must engage these topics head-on to provide context and communicate what current evidence tells us are best practices for policy and personal decision-making.
Conversations about aging are as difficult to have as they are obligatory — something we have observed with our students, inside research settings, and within our own families. Measured deliberation is even more difficult to have at the national level and up against the deadline of a presidential election. But the debate and its aftermath show what can happen if we don’t talk about aging more frequently and before it becomes acute.
Benjamin Katz, Blacksburg
Pamela B. Teaster, Blacksburg
President Biden reflects one of the paradoxes of American health: People live longer but are increasingly challenged by declining physical and mental capacities.
Changes in voice, memory and movement and the onset of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s are all things we have less control of over time. As millions of Americans learn, they did nothing wrong; this is simply part of aging. These changes are not susceptible to willpower or discipline. Diet, medications and exercise might slow the process, but there is little they can do to reverse it.
It is more critical in Mr. Biden’s case because of the awesome responsibilities that he has as president of the United States — and the potential impact of his declining health on millions of Americans as time goes on. The responsibilities of that office make it essential that, at this point, he conclude his stellar career in public service with the most important selfless act of all: withdrawing from the race.
Although I had to smile and could certainly relate to Anne Lamott’s July 7 op-ed, “Gentle is the joy that comes with age,” I was disappointed when I looked her up and saw she is only 70.
At 70, I was still working, which she appears also to be doing, but was in no way lamenting about my age. I am now 85 and keep telling people younger than me: It will only get worse. If she’s finding things so difficult now, I feel sorry for how she will be in the future.
I will admit that as I reflect on the present and my age, I find myself at peace with myself. Finally! I have no need to compete and am more accepting of things as they are (except politics). Admittedly, what is most helpful is that I am relatively healthy, financially secure and enjoying my retirement with the love of my life, with whom I just celebrated our 60th anniversary.
I know that I am in the minority in that regard and have great sympathy for elders who are struggling with either health, money or loneliness. But the bottom line is acceptance. At this age, there’s not much you can change.
A. Barry Belman, Rockville
Ageism in the United States is alive and well and inhabiting opinion pieces for national newspapers. Almost every quote and news piece decries the fact that anyone who is considered old should be working in either the public or private sector. As someone who worked in the field of aging for 36 years, this profound national distaste for people who are old is not new.
The 65-, 70-, 75- or 80-year-old — or beyond — is not necessarily the same old person they might have been 30 years ago. Health care, nutrition and preventive activities have improved vigor and intellectual acuity. And experience, as it ever has, can bring perspective and wisdom.
The latest attacks on President Biden, a man of experience and integrity, are now overshadowing the news about his opponent’s litany of lies. Fair is fair, and each candidate should be judged on qualifications and performance, regardless of age. Fancy a 40-year-old sociopath? A 50-year-old felon? A 78-year-old dictator wannabe? The issue is fitness for office, not age.
Victoria Doerper, Bellingham, Wash.
I believe it is crucial to distinguish between mental acuity in healthy aging individuals and cognitive issues stemming from…
Read More: Opinion | Joe Biden and the national conversation about aging we urgently need