Prof. Francis Shen Cited in Boston Globe About Politicians Taking Cognitive Assessments

Professor Francis Shen, Solly Robins Distinguished Research Fellow, was cited in the Boston Globe about the discussion as to whether there should be upper-age limits for politicians holding public office. While many politicians, like many people, remain sharp into old age with older leaders bringing strengths to the job such as more experience and having longtime ties with the voters they represent, there is an ongoing debate around the capabilities of older elected officials, including the president, who could have health vulnerabilities. Since starting his second term, Donald Trump has flubbed words, confused names of companies, and mixed up the timing of events. Prof. Shen said that rather than having strict age limits which would bar older politicians who remain capable, he said the public debate should be about cognitive ability, and not the year on a politician’s birth certificate. Instead, he argues, Congress should require candidates for federal office to take and disclose cognitive assessments, much as it requires financial disclosures.