Getting Older

I turned 75 this week—OMG, ¾ of a century! It is a humbling experience to have lived so long. I am truly grateful for my life—supported by a loving family and buoyed by so many good friends. Such milestones are a time for reflecting and I experience my life as an undeserved blessing—a gift that, at its beginnings, had nothing to do with me.

I had with the most amazing parents who sustained me with love and affirmation—no matter what—and who provided the incredible example of their own lives, rich in integrity, compassion, empathy and a sense of fairness. Recent studies have shown time and again how important the formative years are. And mine were extraordinary; I am forever grateful. I am still surrounded by a wife and family who love me—now multiple generations strong—and that has been a constant source of joy and inspiration.

Then, along the way, I have been privileged to engage in meaningful work through which I have met friends and colleagues who have enriched my life, expanded my horizons, lovingly (usually!) pointed out my blind spots and helped me through the inevitable personal crises that we all face. These friends continue to be a cornerstone of my life and a source of empowerment as I move forward.  

Arriving at this demographic milestone, it is perhaps inevitable that I would turn my thoughts to pressing “aging issues” of the day and focus on the 2024 Presidential race which may feature two octogenarian candidates. While America is an aging nation, I am concerned about this being the choice for American voters. (Should Donald Trump be the Republican candidate, his advanced age is perhaps his least troubling quality; reasons for his disqualification to run for the nation’s highest office are legion.)

My apprehension, then, is with Joe Biden’s age should he be the Democratic nominee. I am torn. I believe Biden has been an excellent President—calming the nation after four years of chaos under Donald Trump, passing significant bipartisan legislation, steering the NATO alliance to effectively aid Ukraine in its war against Russia. He may not have fulfilled every promise made during his campaign, but given the divisiveness in Congress and the nation, he has come close. And yet, and yet…He is in his 80’s. His capacity to withstand the inordinate strains on the presidency cannot but diminish in the future, thereby leaving him and his policies vulnerable.

As a candidate, Biden will be exposed to ruthless attacks should he slip publicly—literally, as during the graduation ceremony at the Air Force Academy, or verbally in interviews, pronouncements or conversations with leaders in this country or abroad. Such a slip, if pounced on hard and often by the opposition, could lead to his defeat at the polls, resulting in a disastrous victory by Donald Trump or someone toeing the Trump line.

Another worrying scenario is if Donald Trump is not the Republican candidate and the nomination is won by someone decades younger. It is painful to imagine the onslaught of attacks the elder Democratic candidate will suffer under such an eventuality, again leading to potential defeat.

Then, if Biden is re-elected, how will he endure the rigors of the office in our increasingly complex and fast-paced world? Should he win a second term, he will serve until he is 87 years old. With all his skills and experience, can he govern effectively at such an advanced age, even if he remains healthy? While it is a tricky proposition politically, I fault the Democratic Party for not finding a creative process to develop a more solid “bench” in case he should falter—Gavin Newsome, Gretchen Whitmer, Kamala Harris, Sherrod Brown—would all be preferable to the alternatives lined up on the Republican side. But have they been given the political responsibility and the media framing to assume such a leadership role? I think not.

I do not come at this conversation as an ideological, wide-eyed youth believing that Biden is too old to reflect my values. At 75, I am fortunate to be relatively healthy. But I know how precarious the blessing of good health is and how quickly—and markedly—things can change. Hence, the conundrum faced by me and millions of voters as we approach this election season: Can we support a candidate—even one who has demonstrated extraordinary vigor and sound judgment—as he moves ever deeper into his 80’s? I wonder.