The apparent medical episode this week involving Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell has renewed concerns about the age of some longtime politicians.
While standing at a microphone on Capitol Hill talking to reporters, the 81-year-old veteran of the Senate, McConnell suddenly couldn’t talk for 20 to 30 seconds and it appeared he might have had a minor stroke. This comes amid already existing concerns about California’s senior senator, 90-year-old Diane Feinstein and a few other members of Congress who are well up in years.
The average age of members of Congress stands at 64 years with 10 of the 50 senators more than 75 years old and four of them in their 80s. Both President Biden and former president Trump qualify for membership in that group.
Also this week a new study came out about ways to keep your brain healthy and sharp.
In short, the study found that certain activities can protect older adults against Alzheimer’s disease and possibly other forms of dementia. The scientists found that doing things like crossword puzzles and brain twisters, painting and drawing, reading books, watching informational TV shows and even listening to music can help.
So while talk continues about what role age should play in choosing our political leaders but before there’s a maximum age limit on running for office, maybe we should require our aging politicians to do some puzzles or paint some pictures. Who knows, it might even spur them on to do less fighting and get more done for the people, of all ages, who they’re supposed to be serving.
(Photo Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images