As the United States gears up for the next presidential election on November 5, the age and mental acuity of its leading candidates have come under intense scrutiny. Donald Trump and Joe Biden, if elected, would both set records as the oldest president in US history by the end of their term, raising concerns about their fitness for the highest office in the land.

During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, former President Trump, 77, delivered a speech that has been criticized for its numerous falsehoods.

In his address, Trump took aim at President Biden, 81, by mimicking him and highlighting Biden's physical mishaps, such as his falls on live television. Trump's speech also included a declaration of his own cognitive prowess, countering claims of his mental decline by stating, "They'll say he rambled – he's cognitively impaired... No, it's really the opposite. It's total genius, you know that."

Trump's remarks come amid ongoing debates about Biden's age, with a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur describing the Democratic leader as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." Despite concerns, Biden has humorously acknowledged his age in public speeches, once quipping, "I know I don't look like it, but I have been around for a while."

Political Science Professor Paul Quirk from the University of British Columbia argues that Biden's age should be of less concern compared to Trump's more evident cognitive decline, characterized by slurred speech and repeated errors. Quirk's assessment contrasts with the portrayal of Biden in the special counsel's report, which has faced criticism as a partisan attack.

The debate over the candidates' ages is not limited to political analysts. A recent ABC News and Ipsos poll found that 59% of Americans believe both Biden and Trump are too old to run for presidency in 2024. S. Jay Olshansky, a Professor of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, addressed this concern during an American Federation for Aging Research panel, emphasizing that occasional slips and stumbles are common occurrences as people age.

As the election approaches, the focus on the candidates' ages highlights a broader discussion about the demands of the presidency and the importance of physical and cognitive health in fulfilling its duties. With both Trump and Biden having a roughly 75% chance of living to the end of a second term, according to Professor Olshansky, voters are left to weigh the implications of age and experience in their decision-making process.