Former Sioux Falls mayor Knobe: It’s not a matter of age. It’s how you deal with the gains and challenges that come with it.

Let’s talk age. It’s a big political topic these days.

President Joe Biden (seen above in a public domain photo posted on wikimedia commons) is 81 and turns 82 right after the election. If he is re-elected and serves all eight years, he would leave office at 86. Former President Donald Trump, who is the likely Republican presidential nominee this year, turns 78 in June.

Some of us age gracefully. Some don’t. I’m 77. I think I fall into the graceful category. You may disagree.

My memory is pretty good. I have found when my brain is engaged on one issue, it has become more difficult to immediately shift gears, especially remembering details of events from years ago.

Even major events.

I don’t stumble over words, but sometimes it takes a moment to find the right one. 

My doctor tells me that’s normal.

Some use their age, and the wisdom and experience that comes with it, to solve problems, offer guidance, be an elder mentor.

Some get cranky(ier). Angry. Spiteful. Negative.

They blame others. Point fingers. They are not fun people to be around. They drag us down.

I think age is not the issue. It’s what you do with it that matters.

Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and a longtime radio talk show host who is now retired but remains active and involved in his community and state. His columns appear regularly on The South Dakota Standard.