Living and Leading into Your Eighties: What Trump’s 80th Birthday Reveals
When Donald Trump turns 80 this Sunday, the spotlight turns to a surprising trend: more seniors are still working.
Veteran doctor Arthur Rose, who had seen patients for more than 65 years, called his final day in practice on his 95th birthday. Rose says the decision was a gift to himself, spurred by his brother’s death at 95 during the pandemic. He remarks that his patients never knew his age, though some were stunned to learn he was practically a centenarian.
Another story comes from Harriet Cohen, a 93‑year‑old matrimonial lawyer still attending court. Cohen says work keeps her "young, vigorous and energetic", and that her longevity stems from good sleep, reading and conversation. She co‑founded her own firm with her daughter at 88.
These two seniors illustrate a wider shift. Pew Research reports that the share of U.S. citizens aged 65+ in the workforce has quadrupled since the mid‑1980s, with almost 20 % of that group holding a job. The workforce includes high‑profile roles like lawmakers, presidents and CEOs.
But why are older Americans staying on the job?
- Improved healthcare lets people live long enough to reach the 80s.
- Rising living costs push retirees back into part‑time or temporary work. An Indeed Flex survey says 30 % are exploring such options; over 60 % cite money, 35 % seek more social interaction.
- Societal attitudes around age are shifting – "it’s the qualification that matters, not the age," says Buck Institute researcher Gordon Lithgow.
Health is a frequent topic of concern around older leaders. In a recent congressional hearing, Representative Ted Liu presented videos that appeared to show President Trump dozing in meetings. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the claim stating Trump never sleeps in public. Trump’s doctor recently described his hands’ bruising as a minor consequence of frequent handshakes coupled with aspirin use, and said the president was in "excellent health".
However, sleep is essential for older workers. Lithgow notes that the body activates repair mechanisms while we sleep. Lack of rest can accelerate age‑related decline and even impact cellular activity.
Cohen highlighted the power of having purpose: "I always knew I would work forever," she says. Purpose can boost mental and physical resilience, a theme echoed by archaeologist‑turned‑doctor Daniel Fischer.
The debate over Trump’s health feeds into a larger discussion of ageing leaders. President Biden stepped back from a 2024 re‑election bid after political pressure over cognitive concerns. Now Trump faces similar scrutiny as he turns 80.
At the end of the day, the conversation may shift from who is old enough to work to who has the skills and wellbeing to keep contributing. Whether it’s a seasoned doctor, a veteran lawyer or a powerful politician, age is just one part of what makes a worker effective.
