Oppose the candidate because of their policies. Consider their character. But stop being ageist.

Ageism is a bias against another because of their age. It is visible right now. A candidate stumbles and is distracted by aggressive offensive tactics, and that person is condemned as “too old to govern.” I call it for what it is: ageism.

As we age, our thinking changes, as it does throughout life. When any person is aggressively threatened, they will hesitate and stumble. This is true for any public speaker. How would the most experienced and skilled public speaker do against the aggressive and rude behavior exhibited by the other candidate in that presidential debate? How would we do? And how old are we?

A candidate of any age needs to surround themselves with advisers who will challenge them on their policies; a wise leader will listen to them. A wise elder will carefully consider their own abilities and limitations and rely on their team to make decisions.

Let’s judge them by policies and character, not according to our own bias. People are living longer, functioning and contributing into later decades of life, and we need our elders to share their knowledge.

The other candidate is demonstrating limitations and resists seeking the perspectives of advisers who are more competent. The other candidate has shown us his character and his policies.

Let’s judge each candidate on those standards. Stop being ageist. Respect our elders; honor their experience and knowledge.

Linda Littlefield Grenfell
Wells