Years fears

"In a moment," says the White HouseThe official residence of the US president, in Washington DC. Burnt by British troops in 1814, it was rebuilt and painted white to hide the smoke stains. guide, "we will come to the Oval Office, where the president's most important work is done. But first I want to show you something not many people get to see." He flings open a small door. "Here it is, ladies and gentlemen - the president's walking-stick collection!"

This may be fantasy, but there is one inescapable fact. Both the favourites to be the next US president are old enough to be your great-great-grandfather. Joe Biden was born during World War Two, and Donald Trump just after it. If Biden wins and completes a second term, he will be 86.

A recent opinion poll¹ found that 73% of Americans said they were seriously worried that Biden was too old to be a competent president. But on Monday Biden claimed that the main thing about his age was that it gave him wisdom and experience.

"When this nation was flat on its back," he said, "I knew what to do... When democracy was at stake, I knew what to do."

Nikki Haley, who is competing against Trump to be the Republican PartyAlso known as the Grand Old Party or GOP, it is one of the USA's two major political parties. Its first president was Abraham Lincoln. It sits on the right of the political spectrum. candidate, has called for politicians over 75 to have their brain power checked. But according to one expert, Professor Hans Forstl: "The demands on a head of state are exceptional in every respect. No test would be able to gauge that mix of fitness, intelligence, experience and wisdom."

Some skills actually improve with age. For example, people go on learning new words well into their sixties.

Most countries have leaders who are in their fifties or sixties.² Cameroon's president, Paul Biya, is the oldest at 90.

When Biden was elected at 77, he beat the record for the oldest person to become president. Before him it was held by Trump, who was 70.

Mahatma GandhiAn Indian political activist and lawyer (1869-1948), who emphasised passive resistance. was still politically active at 78. He even went on hunger strike to stop religious violence.

Is this too old for the job?

Yes: Being the leader of the US is one of the most exhausting and responsible roles in the world. Only someone with a high level of mental and physical fitness should be entrusted with it.

No: Modern medicine means that people can continue to function efficiently at a much greater age than in the past. The experience and perspective that come with age should not be underrated.

Or... Old people are frequently written off when they are still highly competent and able to contribute to society. The fact that the US elections has focused attention on this issue is to be welcomed.