Should There Be an Age Limit for the U.S. President?

With two of the oldest presidents in history recently leading the nation, the question of age limits for the U.S. presidency is more relevant than ever. A recent Reddit discussion on the topic brought forth a civil debate, providing an interesting look at the arguments for and against such limits.

Arguments for Setting an Age Cap

Those who suggest an upper age limit for the president often highlight the potential for cognitive decline as individuals get older. Advocates also state that decision-makers should be the ones who will experience the long-term impact of their choices. Some emphasize the increased chance of a president dying while in office, and others believe it is fair to have an upper limit, just as there is a lower one.

One respondent said, “Yes, if there is a young age limit then an older one is justified as well.” Another shared, “I think the dilemma is that experience grows with age but so mental abilities decline. Finding that point where the mental decline is no longer acceptable is tough.”

Data indicates that the average retirement age for Americans is 65, which is relevant to the discussion. Some believe that if the retirement age is 65, then the maximum age to be elected should also be 65.

Arguments Against an Age Ceiling

Those who disagree with an upper age limit highlight that cognitive decline isn’t guaranteed as people age, and many older individuals remain very sharp. Others emphasize the need for representation of all age groups, including the elderly. Some also point out that extensive life experience can be an invaluable asset in a world leader.

One comment stated, “No, because that’s ageist, and elderly people need representation too.” Another mentioned, “The issue is mental decline, not age. Different people experience mental decline at different ages.” Yet another commenter added, “Just vote for a younger candidate next time. You’re literally advocating for limiting your own democratic choice… Why?”

Supporters of this viewpoint often suggest that the focus should be on mental capacity rather than age. They believe voters can determine a candidate’s fitness through their votes, which may be more transparent if candidates’ health is revealed.

What It Takes to Change Eligibility

The requirements for presidential eligibility are written in the Constitution, so adding an age cap would require a new constitutional amendment. This requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from 38 out of 50 states. The likelihood of these majorities agreeing on a matter of this significance is slim, but it is interesting to consider the arguments for and against such a measure.