So I attended a dinner party Saturday night...

[PCIntern]

There were six of us, the average age of the other four individuals was 82. All four are internationally recognized physicians, now retired, each of whom worked with and alongside Nobel prize winning individuals. Two of them, husband and wife, were from South Africa via Canada and were educated in their system back when apartheid was the rule. The other husband and wife are American, and although neither had practiced medicine, conventionally, held extremely high positions in government and industry, positions where policy is made internationally.

Their politics were entirely congruent with mine and my wife’s: liberal intellectual leftists, who just want what’s right for the populace: equal rights, food on the table, healthcare, acceptance and valuation of different cultures, and an opportunity to earn a living decently with an appropriate safety net for the catastrophic circumstances which may arise for anyone. It was a remarkable discussion, these people had social and intellectual context, which were progressive, fact-based, and it was by far the most intellectually stimulating evening which I can remember having.

I am not expecting anyone to care about my social life, but the point I want to make is that these people are fully capable, cognizant, aware, have remarkable memories, and breathtakingly articulate and quite frankly brilliant.

And they are old. They are gray, wrinkled, have medical issues which are significant, but I will tell you this: if my life were in jeopardy, and I needed advice, I would not hesitate to ask any one of these people within their field of expertise and run with whatever they said . I am so sick and tired of people denigrating individuals of advanced age simply because the meter has been running that it makes me ill. The experience, brain-power, understanding of issues, and humanity is really only found to this extent among those who have been around the block numerous times.

Yes, Joe Biden is old, but I dare say that given his experience, intellect, political, savvy, and general wherewithal, he right now is the best choice by far of anyone in our stable to run for president of the United States. The media needs to get past this issue, and start harping upon the fact that the opposition has turned into a fascist, repressive, dangerous party, which seeks to destroy what America has become. And to say it over and over and over.

[JustAnotherGen]

1. Thank you

My mom is turning 77 this year -

And I would love to see her in a debate against the Maga King. Ditto my dad's oldest brother - Uncle Otis. Uncle Otis is turning 88 this year. He's still on his game - and still running his construction business.

[Raven]

2. Thank you for taking the time and the trouble to write this.

[Lonestarblue]

3. Age is relative. Trump may be physically younger than Biden, but he is mentally far older and far less knowledgeable.

The media will continue to harp on Biden’s age while ignoring Trump’s mental instability. I’ve noticed recently also that some media seem to be deliberately using less flattering photos of Biden that make him appear old while choosing photos of Trump that are more flattering. I’m sick of media like the NYT and the Post trying to derail Biden’s candidacy. They may not technically be “for” Trump, but it’s clear they want a younger Democratic candidate (i.e., mostly white males have been mentioned as possibilities) while ignoring the ramifications of Biden stepping aside and the party dumping Harris.

[jaxexpat]

40. Those fonts of free press gave us G. Bush in 2000.

They had decided, somehow, that a change in direction was needed. They were disturbed about Clinton's growing savvy about running a winning, progressive party and AL Gore was their whipping boy.
I think they're trying to prune the tendrils of progress again this time because it's simply not "perfect" enough for their tastes.
There's a world of evidence that they're both managed by especially stupid rocks. Maybe pebbles, even.

[Wednesdays]

64. Never underestimate your adversary.

They aren't stupid. They know exactly what they're doing.

[Silent Type]

4. Just below that average age, but get it. However, I'm not sure majority of 30, 40, 50 year-olds do.

Hopefully they'll choose Biden over demented trump, this time.

[Barry Markson]

5. That's fine if I'm attending a dinner party

But if I'm in the emergency room at 3 in the morning with a heart attack and being transported to Cath I want the cardiologist to be a lot younger.

Just sayin'.

[KS Toronado]

14. How young?

[snowybirdie]

19. Why?

Prejudicial and agist imo

[Butterflylady]

45. They want a

Dougie Houser. Not me, I'm an old fart and I'll take another old fart any day.

[Joinfortmill]

28. The best is what we all want. They needed DeBakey's intellect and guidance. May the Force Be With You.

Michael DeBakey (September 7, 1908 – July 11, 2008)
Later surgical career
Wikepedia

(DeBakey was 91 during this procedure)

'DeBakey continued to practice medicine until his death in 2008 at the age of 99. His contributions to the field of medicine spanned the better part of 75 years. DeBakey operated on more than 60,000 patients, including several heads of state.[15] DeBakey and a team of American cardiothoracic surgeons, including George Noon, supervised quintuple-bypass surgery performed by Russian surgeons on Russian president Boris Yeltsin in 1996.[16] On 29 April 1999, DeBakey oversaw an aorta-coronary bypass surgery of Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev in Cleveland, Ohio during Aliyev's visit to the United States.'

[Barry Markson]

39. From your post

DeBakey and a team of American cardiothoracic surgeons, including George Noon, supervised quintuple bypass surgery performed by Russian surgeons.

Ain't finding that in an emergency room at 3 in the morning.

[stopdiggin]

41. any post including 'just saying'

is pretty much by definition - not an attempt at real discourse. Don't bother.

[ShazzieB]

63. Good point!

[NBachers]

44. *Chortle*

[Mopar151]

70. Joe runs the hospital. He makes it a great place to work.

He has made sure the paramedics are trained up, and have a state of the art defibrillator.
We need executive functionality, for a large organisation. We got "stent men" that are f'n heroes, we need to use them better!

[BonnieJW]

6. The qualities of wisdom and experience

are pushed aside for new and shiny. You can thank advertisers and social media for that. New and shiny should be equal to wisdom and experience. AI was should to be a miracle and it is when it comes to science and research. But then people were saying, "Hold on a minute. What about AI imitation of people making false statements? "

It takes experience and wisdom to offer constructive feedback and consideration.

[Wild blueberry]

7. Thank you for this thoughtful post

Americans seem to want extraversion and youth, but the values of introversion and experience are sorely needed now.
We have gigantic problems, which we still can solve, if we work together.
P.S. Sounds like a terrific dinner party!

[PCIntern]

23. It was remarkable. Thanks!

[karynnj]

8. Beautifully said

Last edited Mon Feb 26, 2024, 08:30 PM - Edit history (1)

Living in a community where many people are retired from successful careers, like you I value their expertise in their fields and love the conversations.

I agree on Biden and would add that he also deserves a huge amount of credit for the team of people he gathered for his cabinet and the white House. It may be that that is the most important skill needed. For contrast, consider how poor Trump's choices were and how many chiefs of staff he had.

[ShazzieB]

62. TSF can't hire or retain good staff, because he's a crappy boss.

The only requirement to work for him is a willingness to go along with all of his b.s.

The minute someone disagrees with him on anything substantive, they're out on their ass. It's a lousy way to run a business OR a government!

[niyad]

9. Thank you!

[Hekate]

10. Hear, hear!

[Bumbles]

11. As I wrote in another post,

with a bit of good fortune, we all will grow old. I am 81 and loving the life I now live. With encouragement from my son, I live more in the moment. I think more clearly than I did when I was younger, though my reaction times may be slower. That might be a good thing, especially in a thoughtful leader. I believe I do have more wisdom earned through a life mostly well lived. I admire President Biden more than I thought I would. He has a steady hand, a good heart and the best of intentions for our country and the great variety of people who inhabit it. I am amazed by his stamina and persistence, and his ability to connect with people genuinely. He and Kamala have my vote and I will, once again, work the phones for them. I shudder when I imagine the alternative, and those who vote for it will live to regret their vote.

[magicarpet]

12. Yes but,... our media needs an exciting horse race where,...

Last edited Mon Feb 26, 2024, 11:33 AM - Edit history (2)

... the entire campaign is neck and neck during the duration of the political season. If the MSM can make the election close they can rake in astronomical sums of money in political adverts.

Due to the inherent weakness of the ReThug Party the MSM has to ignore and down play trDUMP's weaknesses and manufacture concocted faults and weaknesses attributed to President Biden. That way the buffoon trDUMP is not the isolated flawed human on the political stage. Biden has manufactured flaws and issues just like trDUMP. Nobody is perfect. This helps normalize trDUMP's outrageousness, inappropriate behavior, and over the edge wacked out thought processes.

They cloud and trash the political landscape so they can ultimately maximize their profits derived from political ads in the media. The MSM promotes Fascism when they promote trDUMP. The media hates American Democracy - they welcome a Fascistic Kleptocracy, a Fascistic Theocracy, and a Fascistic brand of Hyper Capitalism run by obscenely rich Oligarchic Authoritarians who rule with an iron fist.

Besides trDUMP is a consumate showman and shyster conartist. He is rude, crude, hyper emotional, laughably stupid, incoherent, inconsiderate, immature, and a narcissistic ego maniac alpha toxic male who yearns to be dictator/despot for life.

trDUMP Is an exciting bombastic colorful person gift wrapped with a bow of Fascism - what is not to love and respect about him ?

He is the perfect specimen of a manly man tough guy - except for the occasional and timely patriotic blister, bunion, and bone spur - and don't forget his most glowing attribute - Donald being God's gift to womanhood in every way imaginable.

What's not to like and love about djt and reason to worship the ground this Messiah walks on ?

[Jean Genie]

13. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing a bit of your dinner party with us. As a fellow "old person," I love hearing that even as we age, we can - and do - make a difference. A HUGE difference! Joe Biden is an exceptional human being. There's not a day goes by that I don't marvel at our good fortune in this country that he is our President. I hope and pray that he will continue to be so after the upcoming election cycle. Kindness, humanity, experience count for much much more than the number that is one's date of birth.

[Lucinda]

15. ❤️ ✿❧🌿❧✿ ❤️

[TheRickles]

16. I hope your dinner companions are now DU readers. :-)

[onecaliberal]

17. K&R

[Paper Roses]

18. Thank you for this important post.

Those of us "of an age" agree with your comments. We may be old but still have a working brain. Sometimes the body does not agree but the brain knows what is going on.
We are, as a country, now in trouble and need all the support we can get.

I am in a town divided. It disappoints me that so many right wingers post on our local pages in support of tRump and the local Democrats are quiet. If the few Dem's who speak up in reply are crucified. The MAGA's have the big mouths, the rest of us seem to think all is sun and roses.

I am not literate enough to chime in and give my 2 cents worth, knowing the replies will give me heck from all directions.
As an aside., I have a small family. The immediate members are Dem's. My sister and BIL in Florida are MAGA and there is no way I can get them to listen to anything I have to say. They think the sun rises and sets on tRump.
I have given them all the info. I can. No hope there.

I am afraid, old and broke. The Democratic Town Committee is having a meeting soon. I will go but am not impressed with them. Not a word that I have seen from them about anything thru the course of this last year. Should be interesting. My thought about them now is like the old cliché, "better late than never". Fingers crossed that something will be done to activate the locals that their best interest is to defeat tRump.
I hope I live long enough.

[littlemissmartypants]

20. Age has little to do with mental fitness.

Memory doesn't always correlate to intellect. But physical fitness is congruent with intelligence. As a matter of fact larger girth measurements have been shown to correlate with reduced mental function.*

Most importantly and often overlooked in these discussions is emotional intelligence. Which varies widely between age groups and may be the most important factor of all.

*Harvard Health Publishing
November 1, 2018
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/larger-waist-size-in-older-adults-linked-with-lower-cognitive-function
Larger waist size in older adults linked with lower cognitive function
Previous research has linked excess body fat with a higher risk of cognitive decline. In the past, most studies have gauged body fat based on body mass index (BMI). However, waist size may be a better way to predict possible cognitive impairment among older adults, according to a study in the Sept. 14, 2018, issue of the British Journal of Nutrition.

Researchers examined health data on 5,186 people ages 60 and older. They found that a larger waist size was associated with reduced performance in such mental abilities as attention and visuospatial skills (the ability to perceive the differences and similarities between objects). The study participants also scored lower on memory tests.

However, the study found no link between a higher BMI and memory problems. That's not surprising, since BMI is weight-based and therefore includes muscle and all types of fat, whereas waist size reflects a man's amount of belly fat (visceral fat), the dangerous fat that accumulates around internal organs.

The researchers added that excess belly fat can trigger inflammation in the body and raise levels of C-reactive protein, which has been linked with a higher risk of dementia.
Snip...

❤️pants

[True Blue American]

71. Thank you for your post on older experts.

We are not dealing with medical issues here but are certainly dealing with an experienced President who seems to be running rings around the younger fools in our Government. Never ignore the voice of experience. Biden has that.

You could actually compare the stor of the Tortoise and the Hare.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tortoise_and_the_Hare

[AKwannabe]

21. Happy to be the 100th rec

And here is the kick!

[wolfie001]

22. As an added bonus!!! Kamala Harris!!!

She's extremely capable, brilliant and steady as a rock! I have zero qualms about this team! Joe Biden chose her for a reason and he has total confidence. That's enough for me!

[hay rick]

24. The media has invested in the fantasy that there are two rational choices.

This is convenient for their commercial well-being but a poisonous betrayal of American democracy.

[Joinfortmill]

25. Amen, Doc. And keep on truckin'.

[dlk]

26. Thank you for sharing wisdom matters for our President.

I see the media’s unhealthy obsession with President Biden’s as coming from their deep seated phobia of death, the one thing where all of the power or money in the world makes absolutely no difference. One day, death comes to us all.

[Marthe48]

27. Like everything America is in the process of becoming

I think I'm paraphrasing Socrates. I remember reading that everything is in the process of becoming. A burning fire is becoming extinguished and ashes are becoming relit is the imagery I think of. Even if I'm not remembering exactly what I read, it has helped me to accept that everything changes to something else.

For over 200 years, America has been in the process of envisioning freedom as it was intended. Just as humans across the world continue to evolve toward awareness, so our vision of personal freedom changes, and I hope, expands to include more and more specifics of the individual aspects that make us human. Until the U turn in this century, Americans by and large supported the pursuit of freedom and were expanding it well beyond what people even 300 years ago conceived. So America has been in the process of becoming free. We are becoming the fire. But there are also humans who aren't becoming in the same direction. They are becoming the ashes.

Humans have sought freedom since the concept crystalized in early minds. People becoming the fire see freedom as an ideal. People becoming the ashes see freedom as a curse. I think that right now, Americans have to choose if they will feed the fire, or become the ashes.

GOTV!

[housecat]

29. Many years ago when email was relatively new

I had an unlikely conversation with someone who soon became a good friend long before we met. He is still a good friend 25 years later. During that time we met about once a year -- my husband (who is also his good friend) and I visiting him in the South or he visiting us up North.

If Joe Biden had been that friend, I wouldn't have been burdened with fear, hate, lies, and petty criticism by others, because I would have known him personally. That is my point -- block out the noise and make decisions based on what is there, not gaffs, numbers, and appearances, which don't equal values, empathy, and experience as media would have us believe..

[applegrove]

30. How old are the Justices of the Supreme Court?

[ShazzieB]

59. Only 2 of them (Thomas and Alito) are over 70.

And they are two of the nastiest old curmudgeons ever!

The full list, from oldest to youngest, is as follows:

Justice Thomas, 75
Justice Alito, 73
Justice Sotomayor, 69
Chief Justice Roberts, 69
Justice Kagan, 63
Justice Kavanaugh, 58
Justice Gorsuch, 56
Justice Jackson, 53
Justice Barrett, 52

Two more will be 70 soon. Four are under 60. Kagan is right in the middle, at 63.

[applegrove]

66. Thanks.

[LiberalFighter]

31. Yes! And there are many much younger that have problems with both health and their memories.

Also, up til just a few years ago, Jimmy Carter was doing fine with both.

[former9thward]

65. That is not what Carter says.

He said he could not be president at 80.

&t=10s

[fierywoman]

32. Thank you for writing this -- beautifully put!

[Trueblue Texan]

33. I read your first sentence...

...and instead of thinking of old people, even though you specifically said the average age was 82, I really only thought about who those people were. It didn't dawn on me until the 4th paragraph, you were dining with older people. I've worked with the geriatric crowd long enough to know when it comes to mental sharpness, age really is just a number. I've seen people who were in their 50s behave as though they are in advanced dementia and people over 100 who were sharp as a tack. Age may influence their cognition, but it is definitely possible that age has enhanced their cognitive strength. It's hard to convince people of this because of the stereotypes, but we can always educate people.

[Quakerfriend]

34. Thanks for this post PC!

:hi

The dinner party sounds as though it was marvelous & reminds me of one where I, as a young teen, sat with my parents and their friends and soaked up the conversations. I’ve never forgotten it.

Age is truly an asset where Biden is concerned.

My father played tennis well into his 90ies.
When one of his tennis partners had his 100th BDay coming up my father teased him and asked “Will you still play with me once you’re 100, Bill?”
The rye reply came back- “If you’re still able Paul, if you’re still able.”

Dear old dad skied, played tennis and ran is business right up until he passed.

[ancianita]

35. A lovely tribute to age's wise brilliance and can-do. But

you have to know what Biden knows: no one can fix the media no matter what they need to get past.
Media don't work for the public interest, nevermind that of Democrats.

Knowing what Biden knows, the old just need to help him by supporting all the likeminded politically motivated youth that they can.

[MiHale]

36. Perfect!..... KnR...nt

[SCantiGOP]

37. Warren Buffett is 97

Kind of proves your point.

[Mme. Defarge]

38. Formidable!

[limbicnuminousity]

42. Thank you.

Your story and stories like it are how we answer questions of age. It isn't just the years. It's what you've done with and learned through those years. Perspective requires experience and perspective fosters wisdom.

[Prairie_Seagull]

43. Somene should write a book or better yet

a series of on-line or even MSM 'shows' outlining the many positive contributions/accomplishments of older folks to contrast the constant barrage of implied bullshit coming at our President.

Young people need something to think about and point to that are contrary to tropes flying around.

IMO

Wish there were video of your evening. Sounds wonderful.

[cilla4progress]

46. 82 is the new 62,

amirite?

Thanks for this fascinating and uplifting post!

[elleng]

47. Wonderful (not really correct, not WONDER, but FULL of fine and good things!)

[Mira]

48. I very much appreciate this post

Thanks for writing it,
Every day I marvel and am grateful for how Grandpa gets shit done!!!
Experience and wisdom and capable folk around him make him ever so valuable to us.

[Chalco]

49. Exactly. My husband is 81 and just had ...

an historical fiction novel published. The next one will be published in April. He owned his own small company, then, retired from that and worked full time on his book.

I'm 75 and was a psychologist for 40 years and now a playwriter. I've had 3 plays produced and am working on the next one.

All it takes to be competent when you get older is to keep your brain working. My husband and I work all day on our projects.

[PCIntern]

50. Love it!

Keep on truckin’…both of you!!!

[SarahD]

51. Or at least, at the very least.

Cut Biden the same slack they cut Trump for his age. The only time they admit Trump is old is when they're talking about Biden's age. Then they feel the need to remind us that Trump is younger.

[calimary]

52. I could not agree more! Yes, YES, and YES AGAIN!!!

I’m so ready to vote for him again in November, and to talk him up in the meantime.

I’ve seen a lot of presidential candidates in my day, having started to wake up about politics after JFK. And I’ve seen a LOT of Presidents in that time.

There IS no other choice. And frankly, we don’t need one.

BIDEN. All the way.

[Evolve Dammit]

53. Great post. Totally agree. I grew up with Depression ERA, WWII parents. Never forget.

[PCIntern]

54. I as well...

Parents knew and saw everything…or at least, enough.

[Evolve Dammit]

61. And the stark difference between now and then; they came together for the common good. nt

[SWBTATTReg]

55. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story, and man, I want to go to your parties!! Ha ha heh.

Have a nice rest-of-the-day!!!

[TigressDem]

56. Democracy or Dictatorship. That's what's on the menu for 2024.

BUT having had much less fruitful conversations with various aged people, I am envious of the level of discussion you had at your party.

[Edwcraig]

57. Need a Constitutional Amend to Give Biden a third term.

[DENVERPOPS]

58. I truly wish

people would quit referring to the Media's need to wise up, change, start doing journalism and not OP's.

The Media is NOT going to veer away from a total Right Wing Slant......Period.....

The Media is 95% owned, operated, and controlled by REPUBLICANS !!!!!!!!!!!!!! They will do anything and everything to promote the Republican Party and Trump, along with his merry band of TrumpHumpers........

They will do whatever helps the Republicans......even censure anything from the left: Look no further than last week when Gannet Newspapers removed Doonesbury from the Sunday Edition, because he pointed out many truths about the Civil War that the Repubs don't want waved in the public's faces.......

Hell, the Republicans won't even say anything about SLAVERY being the major issue of the Civil war........

[soldierant]

60. I used to have on file a meme

showing individual head shots of Gandalf, Obi-Wan, and Dumbledore, with the caption "Sometimes it just takes an old white guy to save the world." I can't find it now, so I'll be reconstructing it. If I can get it done within a day or two, I'll post it here.

[Handler]

67. Joe is too old. I am 71 and I am too old. I worked in a high stress high intensity cardiology lab for many years. I know

I could not keep up at my age. I accept this , there is no shame . We all loose a step as we age. We deserve a younger president to lead in these very challenging times. He should step down but, if he doesn’t I will still vote for him

[wendyb-NC]

68. Thank you, PCIntern

You are absolutely right, your accomplished friends, and President Biden. They still are a force, of wisdom, knowledge, and experience. We need to have such vital people in our presence and listen to them, especially now.

Joe Biden, is the only candidate who can save our precious democracy.

[soldierant]

69. As promised...

I realize those are three very special old white guys - but then, so is Joe Biden.

[sinkingfeeling]

72. Yep, I'm currently visiting a couple and the husband is 89! He taught

advanced physics at a major university for 40 years. He is currently writing a physics textbook for other professors.

Age, some times is not an issue, but a plus.