Time to Retire? The Startling Truth About Old Politicians.

Airlines require pilots to retire at 65 because flying a plane full of people demands quick thinking and good judgment. However, when it comes to running the country apparently you can do that from an old folks' home at the age of 81. Just ask Texas Representative Kay Granger.

Granger made history as the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, and now she has followed that up by not voting in Congress since July. Instead of attending meetings to represent her constituents Granger has been living in a senior living facility, and her office conveniently didn't release that information to the public. Her son, however, later revealed that she is dealing with dementia issues. It makes you wonder why congress is one of the few places where cognitive decline doesn’t require someone to step down from such a critical position.

Granger isn't the only politician whose health has become an issue recently. Congress is full of senior citizens that would normally be retired in any other industry. In 2023, 20 lawmakers were at least 80 years old. Senator Dianne Feinstein held her position through some serious health issues until she passed away at 90. Mitch McConnell, at 82, had his freeze-frame moment at the podium last year that made everyone wonder if he had a stroke in front of the cameras.

Granger returned to D.C. briefly in November to smile for her portrait unveiling, but it’s hard to ignore the larger issue: When leaders in their golden years struggle to perform basic duties, it’s not just awkward it’s a disservice to the public.

The Constitution sets a minimum age for Congress, but maybe it’s time we start talking about a maximum. If you can’t fly a plane, should you really be leading the country?