Average Age of Congress is 61.8 Years

If anyone wanted additional proof that people are working longer and well into their senior years, look no further than the United States Congress where the average age is now 61.8 years.

Lauren Victoria Burke, in an Associate Press article, shared that the constitutional framers, in the late 18th century, set the minimum age requirement for the Senate at 30 and for the House at 25years. That was then considered late middle age at a time when the average life expectancy even a century later was around 40 years."

Since the first session of the United States Congress, in 1789, the average age of members of the Senate has risen from 47 to an all-time high today of 61.8, according to Senate records.

Fast forward to today and you will find active members of congress who are well into their senior years.

Senator Robert Byrd at 90 years old told a reporter recently to “Shut up,” when a reporter asked how he would respond to those who questioned his capacity to run the committee. Senator Byrd is the longest-serving senator in history.

Others whose careers are a definite inspiration to all of us:
- Arlen Specter, 78 years old
- Senator John Warner ,81 years old
- Senator Ted Kennedy, 76 years old
- Senator Frank Laughtenberg, 84 years old

Senator John McCain at 71 years old, the youngest of this group is actually very much in the running for the toughest job in the land. He is currently engaged in the longest job interview of his life as he runs for the role of President of the United States.

John McCain, if elected, would be the oldest person to take the office.