Aging Up: The Rising Average Age of Congress

The average age of members serving in the national legislature is 61, according to the Biographical Data Directory of the U.S. Congress. This number reflects a trend of aging up among lawmakers, with the average age of the 118th Congress being 58 years old, dropping three years from the previous Congress. The median age of voting House lawmakers is 57.9 years, while the new Senate's median age is 65.3 years. These statistics paint a picture of a Congress that is older, more educated, and made up of a higher share of men than the US population.

Republican Senators Mitch McConnell, 81, and Chuck Grassley, 90, are two of the US Senate's oldest members, highlighting the fact that more than half of the Senate is over 60. The average age of Congress is rising with the current class of lawmakers being one of the oldest in history. The median age of the 118th Congress is 59 years old, with the median senator being 65 years old, a record high, and the median representative being about 58, making it the fourth oldest in history.

What explains Congress' advanced age, and what, if anything, could help even things out between the generations? One factor contributing to the aging of Congress is the increasing life expectancy in the US, allowing lawmakers to serve for longer periods. Additionally, the high cost of running for office and the benefits of incumbency may discourage younger candidates from entering politics. The lack of term limits also contributes to the longevity of lawmakers' careers in Congress.

Despite the rising age of Congress, the solution isn't age limits. Imposing age restrictions on lawmakers could potentially discriminate against older individuals and limit the diversity of perspectives in the national legislature. Instead, efforts should be made to encourage more young people to participate in politics and run for office. This could involve initiatives to increase youth engagement in government, provide more support for young candidates, and address barriers to entry for those seeking to enter politics.

In the context of the 2024 Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the issue of age in politics has come under scrutiny. Both candidates were in their seventies during the debate, raising questions about whether younger voices should be given more opportunities to lead. The debate highlighted the need for a more diverse range of perspectives in government, with age being just one aspect of representation.

In conclusion, while the average age of Congress is on the rise, there are ways to address the issue without resorting to age limits. Encouraging greater diversity in the national legislature, including age diversity, is essential for ensuring that all voices are represented in government. By supporting young candidates and promoting greater youth engagement in politics, we can work towards a more inclusive and representative Congress for the future.