It appears that the American voters as well as members of the news media may have gotten lost in the simmering political sauce.
The following is a tale of two campaigns: Both major candidates are old and the age difference is a couple of years, however, Trump is guilty as charged so far, and Biden isn't. These two individuals have had their fair share of personal, professional, and political difficulties.
At age 29, President Joe Biden became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate. Just weeks after his Senate election, tragedy struck the Biden family when his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi were killed, and sons Hunter and Beau were critically injured, in an auto accident.
At age 25. Donald’s dad Fred Trump named him president of his real estate business. Since then his businesses have been plaintiffs or defendants in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six business bankruptcies.
“Respect is earned, not given” suggests that if you want to be respected, you cannot force people to respect you just because you want them to. People who adhere to this saying recognize that not everyone is born equal and they aren’t obliged to love or respect anyone just because they exist. To earn their respect, you need to prove that you are worth their time.
In a school setting, it means being able to keep up with everyone else and not relying on others to do your work for you. In the office, it means being a competent co-worker who can show that they don’t have to kiss anyone’s butt just to get ahead. Even in prison, it means knowing how to handle different types of people without disrespecting anyone. “Earning” one’s respect isn’t always something you can prove in a physical sense, but when it is, it means proving that you are capable of being on the same foot as everyone else.
At the same time, you aren’t obliged to respect someone if you feel they don’t deserve it. If you think people need to earn your respect, you aren’t automatically going to respect someone unless you know something about them that’s worth revering. It means you aren’t going to respect an older person because they’re older than you (and it’s customary in many cultures to respect the elderly), a higher-ranking person in the office especially if they’re not even competent at their job.
These men are both old, but there are differences between an 81-year-old man and a 77-year-old man and vary widely based on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, overall health, and socioeconomic status. However, here are some general differences that may be observed:
Biological Aging: As individuals age, biological changes occur at different rates for everyone. At 81, the body may experience more significant declines in physical functions such as muscle strength, flexibility, and balance compared to someone who is 77. There may also be an increased risk of age-related health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and cognitive decline.
Life Experience: By the age of 81, a person has had more time to accumulate life experiences, both positive and negative, compared to someone who is 77. This may influence their perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors towards various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and leisure activities.
Social Connections: Older adults may experience changes in their social networks as they age. At 81, individuals may have experienced the loss of friends and family members, which can impact their social connections and support systems. Conversely, they may have also developed new relationships and connections over time.
Financial Situation: Financial stability and security can vary among older adults. By the age of 81, individuals may be retired and living on fixed incomes such as pensions, social security, and savings. Economic factors, including access to healthcare, housing, and other resources, may differ between an 81-year-old and a 77-year-old.
Healthcare Needs: As individuals age, their healthcare needs may change. At 81, older adults may require more frequent medical appointments, screenings, and treatments for age-related health conditions. They may also need assistance with daily activities and personal care tasks.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Mental and emotional well-being can be influenced by various factors, including life transitions, losses, and stressors. Older adults may experience changes in mood, cognition, and overall mental health. Factors such as social support, access to healthcare, and coping strategies can impact mental and emotional well-being at any age.
It's important to recognize that these differences are generalizations and may not apply to every individual. Aging is a highly individualized process, and each person may age differently based on their unique circumstances and experiences, exercise, drug use, etc. The age-old question: How old is too old for Washington, D.C.?
With the two oldest candidates in U.S. history leading the race for the presidency, and Congress dominated by politicians who are decades older than the average citizen, the question of age has come to dominate much of the conversation this election year. But should it? CBS News chief election & campaign correspondent Robert Costa talks with the Washington Post's Dan Balz (considered one of the deans of the Washington press corps) and California Representative Sara Jacobs (one of the youngest members of Congress) about the generational divide. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/the-age-old-question-how-old-is-too-old-f…
Redefining old age. This isn't your grandfather's old age. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook talks with experts about the distinctions between normal and abnormal aging as it affects memory issues, a workforce continuing beyond traditional retirement age, and the testing of surgeons who currently work without age limits. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/redefining-old-age/
Images: The AP