Letters to the editor Dec. 30

Realities of aging

Having reached an advanced age of 80+ years, I realize that my energy levels, my mental acuity and my ability to navigate the challenges of a complex world have been diminished. Furthermore, I don’t like change. It is difficult for me to adjust to new regulations, technological advances, etc. 

Most people my age and a lot of younger people understand these issues, but it is clear that many of our politicians either don’t get it or won’t admit it.

According to the Pew Research Center, 33 members of the House of Representatives and 10 members of the Senate have served for 40 years or longer. Seventy-one members of the House are 70-79 and 13 are 80-89. Twenty-seven members of the Senate are 70-79, five are 80-89 and one is 90. 

I would suggest that we need to establish “ term limits” and “age limits” for members of Congress and for the President; and we need to elect people who understand that any individual or business, including the U.S. government, that continues to spend more than they or it makes, will go broke. 

As the saying goes, “it is hard to teach old dog new tricks”.

- Gary Rose, Kalispell