A recent Yahoo News/YouGov survey found that 65 percent of respondents thought Joe Biden would be “too old to serve” another term as president. Donald Trump was perceived by 45 percent as “too old.” Thus far, very early in the 2024 presidential conversation, Biden’s age is more of a liability than Trump’s.
Age is an essential judgment in considering an election to the presidency. However, family history, lifestyle and activities shouldn’t be ignored. General health can be a more thorough and better predictor than age in the future, especially when the likely candidates hover around 80 years of age.
Physically, Biden appears older than the actual three years, six months difference between the two men. His movement can sometimes give the impression of a less-than-vital man. He has fallen twice, once in a stumble and once in a bicycle accident. Biden is also well known for his verbal flubs and gaffes, lending credence to concerns about his age and mental competence.
As president, Biden is monitored constantly and thus more subject to negative images. Therefore, a stumble will be publicized, while aging signs are rarely visible for the former president.
It’s essential to dig deep into the former president’s health, for he has worked hard to be perceived as strong and vigorous as part of his financial and political agenda, often hiding the details of his medical state.
Trump is overweight and maintains a poor lifestyle. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 243 lbs. during his presidency. Non-medical reports have claimed he has gained additional weight since leaving the White House. His BMI, or Body Mass Index, at a weight of 243, was 30.4. Medically, the former president is considered obese and statistically at risk for type 2 diabetes, among other medical issues related to obesity.
Two former campaign aides have said that the 45th president typically ordered a 2,430-calorie spread, which included two Big Macs, two Filet-o-Fish sandwiches, and a large chocolate shake. One study found that obesity, within the range of 30 to 35, shortens life expectancy by three years.
Biden’s height was recently measured at six feet, weight at 178 pounds, and a BMI of 24.1, within normal limits. Neither Biden nor Trump smoke or drink alcohol.
Both Biden and Trump exercise regularly. According to the website TrumpGolfCount.com, the 45th president played golf during his presidency on at least 142 occasions up to November 8, 2020.
The White House reports Biden “keeps himself fit with elliptical training and weightlifting twice a week and runs four miles four times a week.” He primarily eats a healthy diet accompanied by a sweet tooth for ice cream.
For most of his life, Biden has experienced seasonal allergies, sinus congestion, and, more recently, sleep apnea. Interventions have resolved most of these conditions. In 2003, he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm, a condition in which he is now asymptomatic.
Family history is an important consideration. Trump’s father died of Alzheimer’s disease at age 93. His mental status was in decline for at least seven years before then. Trump’s mother died at 88, having endured a lifetime of medical challenges but no reported mental health issues.
Biden’s mother died at 92, and his father died at 86. Biden’s parents showed no indications of mental illness or Alzheimer’s.
Some psychiatrists have questioned the former president’s mental state, but no diagnosis meets the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria, except perhaps narcissism. However, narcissism is only considered a mental illness if accompanied by functional disturbances. Many politicians and celebrities are narcissists but function in society.
We have never questioned presidential candidates regarding their BMI, weight, cognitive capability, family history and ability to run or walk a mile in 15 minutes. But when candidates are around 80, maybe it’s time we did.
When looking at the health picture of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, their birth age does not seem the best measure. Health-wise, the president is younger than he appears, and the former president is likely older than he appears to be. The truth of that depends on how you measure age.
