Stop Ageism: Is Biden Too Old?

Today, on the Lean to the Left podcast, we dive deep into ageism, a pervasive issue that often goes unnoticed in our everyday lives, but it's an issue brought to the forefront by MAGA accusations that President Biden, at 81, is too old to do his job and responses from Democrats claiming Donald Trump, 78, is "losing it" and suffering from dimentia.

Our guest, is Dr. Gail C. Christopher, a leader in combating various forms of discrimination, who elaborates on the grim effects of ageism.

“People don’t understand what the data tells us about growing older,” Dr. Christopher states, explaining that healthy individuals in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s can function remarkably well despite memory changes. The bias against older individuals must be addressed and corrected, she contends.

President Biden and Ageism

In the discussion we discuss how President Joe Biden, at 81 years old, is subjected to relentless ageism and the irony that Trump, just three years younger, is hardly a paradigm of youth himself.

The truth of the matter is ageism undermines the incredible capabilities and achievements of older individuals. Biden’s administration has racked up an enviable record of achievement both domestically and internationally, yet, many in the media and his critics continuously cast aspersions on his mental and physical fitness based purely on his age.

Here's a clip focusing on Biden's age:

Cultural Influence and Youth Idolatry

One poignant point raised during the podcast is the cultural idolization of youth, driven by mass media and commercialization. Dr. Christopher shares a personal anecdote about her mother receiving excellent care in Mexico due to the cultural respect for elders, a stark contrast to attitudes in the U.S., where elderly people all too often are disrespected.

This comparison highlights the need for America to foster a culture that values older adults and their contributions.

Media Influence

Media portrayal of older adults significantly affects public perception, and Dr. Christopher emphasizes the need for a concerted media strategy to depict older people positively.

“We really need to make it a movement that is positively focused,” she asserts, calling for an intentional approach to counteract youth-centric narratives promoted by entertainment and social media.

Dr. Christopher laments journalists who ask disparaging and ignorant questions based on ageist assumptions. She urges media professionals to educate themselves about ageism.

Economic and Social Challenges

The podcast conversation turns to practical strategies to combat ageism, including economic and social reforms.

Dr. Christopher references works like This Chair Rocks by Ashton Applewhite that confront ageism head-on. The conversation also touches on the economic difficulties faced by older adults, especially women and people of color, who disproportionately suffer from systemic inequalities. That, she says, is a book all journalists should be required to read.

The Role of the Presidential Election

Dr. Christopher suggests the presidential election serves as a ripe opportunity to challenge and eliminate ageism.

She references her efforts to create a national discourse focused on unity and objective reasoning rather than division. Through the National Collaborative for Health Equity, Dr. Christopher and her colleagues conduct surveys revealing that most Americans desire leaders who unite rather than polarize.

Broader Implications and Necessary Reforms

The conversation delves deeper into the economic disparities exacerbated by ageism, especially among minorities and women.

Dr. Christopher highlights the financial instability faced by older adults due to systemic issues like lower lifetime earnings and lack of access to investment opportunities. These challenges call for significant reforms and compassionate policies.

Dr. Christopher reiterates the importance of community and collective action. She encourages bipartisan leadership to address the critical issues facing older demographics and underscores the need for ongoing government and societal support.

The conversation with Dr. Christopher serves as a powerful reminder that combating ageism is not just about defending older individuals but about fostering a society rooted in equity, respect, and humanity.

Stop Ageism, a Call to Action

We encourage our readers to reflect on their perceptions of aging and consider how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive society. Let's challenge ageist stereotypes and advocate for policies and narratives that recognize the value and capabilities of older adults. Together, we can stop ageism and build a brighter, more respectful future for all generations.

Join us in this crucial conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.