Showcasing the Typical Age of American Policy Decision-Makers
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The visualization created by Business Insider reveals a striking trend in the ages of federal policymakers in the United States. Over the centuries, the age distribution of members of Congress has shown a clear incline towards older members, particularly those over the age of 70.
Historically, Congress members were generally younger, with serving in Congress often happening earlier in political careers. However, over time, the average age of members has increased steadily, with a growing proportion of members aged 70 and older, especially in recent decades.
This aging trend is linked to incumbency advantages, increased life expectancy, and changing political dynamics that favor experienced legislators. By the early 21st century, a significant share of Senators and Representatives are over 70, marking a shift toward more senior lawmakers in both chambers.
In 1981, only 4 percent of members of Congress were over the age of 70. Fast forward to 2022, and that figure has more than doubled to 23 percent. The visualization also shows the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of the U.S. Congress' ages, providing a comprehensive view of the age distribution.
While the visualization does not specify the occupations or backgrounds of the members of Congress, nor their political parties, education levels, career lengths, or geographical distribution, these details can be found in other sources such as the Congressional Research Service or the Office of the Historian of the U.S. House and Senate.
The increase in older members reflects broader demographic trends in the U.S., including aging voters and longer lifespans. This visualization is a valuable tool to illustrate trends in the ages of U.S. Congress members over time, offering insights into the changing dynamics of American politics.
- To address the impact of aging on health-and-wellness policies in the US, it's crucial to consider the increasing number of federal policymakers over 70, as shown by the visualization from Business Insider.
- As data indicates that a growing proportion of US Congress members are aged 70 and over, particularly in recent decades, it's essential to consider the role of science and health-and-wellness in maintaining the well-being of these senior representatives and shaping relevant policymaking.
