Demonstrating the Midlife Average of American Policy Creators
The visualizations created by Business Insider offer a revealing look into the age distribution trend of members of the United States Congress over time. The data shows a significant increase in the number of members aged over 70 from 1981 to 2022.
From the early 1980s onward, Congress has progressively aged, with an increasing number of members serving beyond 70 years old. This contrasts with previous eras when members typically retired earlier. By 2022, it is common for many members, especially Senators, to be over 70, with some even serving into their 80s.
This aging trend is notable because it contrasts with the general U.S. population's median age, which is lower, reflecting the relatively older demographic in Congress. Several factors contribute to this trend, including longer life expectancy, incumbency advantages, and the accumulation of seniority, encouraging longer tenures.
The visualization does not provide information about the ages of senators and representatives separately. However, it does show the median age of the U.S. Congress from 1789 to 2022. The visualization also shows the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of the U.S. Congress' age, indicating an increase in the percentage of older members over the years.
It is important to note that the visualization does not specify the party affiliations of the members of Congress, nor does it provide information about the ages of individual members or other federal policymakers in the United States.
This general pattern of an aging Congress with more members over 70 from 1981 to 2022 is well-documented in political science research and public records available outside these visualizations. For exact figures and more detailed data, resources such as the Congressional Research Service or specialized political analyses can be consulted.
In summary, the trend in the U.S. Congress from 1981 to 2022 is a clear rise in the number and share of members aged over 70, signaling an older legislative body over time. This trend, while significant, is a complex issue with various contributing factors that warrant further investigation and discussion.
The trend of increasing numbers of U.S. Congress members aged over 70, seen from as early as the 1980s, is often a topic of discussion in policy-and-legislation research, political science, and general news. This data contrasts with the general U.S. population's lower median age, highlighting the need for further examination and debate in political circles.
