Biden Re-Election Bid Puts Spotlight Back on Age

President Biden departs the White House as he walks to Marine One on November 10, 2022 en route to Egypt to attend the COP27 Summit (Andrew McKeough/AKSM Photography).

While there are concerns associated with the U.S. President being the oldest in American history, Biden’s health is promising for him to continue to serve as President of the United States.

Article by Isabel Cantor, Associate Medical Reporter

WASHINGTON - President Biden announced his re-election campaign on Tuesday, April 25th, after months of anticipation. However, there is a rising concern that the president is too old to run the country. 

Biden has already made history for being the oldest U.S. President at the age of 78 when he was inaugurated in January, 2021. Now, he is 80 years old, and if he were to be re-elected, he would be 86 at the end of his second term. 

Many people argue that a president as old as Biden is not fit to serve another four years as President of the United States, as a decline in physical and mental ability typically comes with old age. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), common physical changes that are characteristic of old age are hearing loss, vision loss, and osteoarthritis. Dementia and memory loss is another concern that becomes more likely to occur with age, which is an example of decline in mental ability. This makes it understandable for Americans to be apprehensive for Biden to remain president. 

In fact, 54% of Americans believe that Biden does not have the “mental sharpness it takes to serve effectively as president,” according to a 2022 poll conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post. However, once over the age of 35, there is no age limit for being President of the United States, which is causing an intense debate throughout the country. 

On the other hand, with technological advancements improving medical care, people are essentially living longer than ever, which is a realistic reason as to why President Biden can successfully remain president until early 2029 if re-elected. 

Also, in February of 2023, President Biden had his physical examination at the Walter Reed National Military Medical center located in Bethesda, Maryland. He remains “fit for duty,” according to an extensive report of his medical history and current medical status that was released by Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician. Dr. O’Connor also stated that Biden remains a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male.” 

While there are concerns associated with the U.S. President being the oldest in American history, Biden’s health is promising for him to continue to serve as President of the United States.